Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has come under fire from netizens for appointing a known Biafra apologist to a key position in his administration. The appointee, Chinwe Obuaku, who is of Igbo ethnicity, now serves as the Director-General and Special Envoy to the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy. Her appointment came to light on social media after she posted content campaigning for Adeleke's re-election as Governor of Osun State.
Reactions on Social Media
Reacting on X, one @cypha1011 questioned why a non-indigene who received an appointment from the governor is now telling indigenes whom to vote for as their next governor. In response, Obuaku argued that it is ironic how some Nigerians demand acceptance and opportunities abroad yet become uncomfortable when an Igbo woman works in Osun or any Nigerian succeeds outside their ethnic region. She stated, “Chinwe is Nigerian. She has a right to live, work, contribute, and thrive anywhere in Nigeria. We cannot condemn xenophobia in South Africa while practising ethnic exclusion at home. A country cannot progress when competence is constantly filtered through tribe. Nigeria either belongs to all Nigerians or it belongs to nobody.”
Another user, @DeAutoHaven, accused Obuaku of hypocrisy for citing opportunities held by Nigerians abroad while ignoring opportunities available to other ethnicities in Igbo land. He wrote, “Your hypocrisy sucks. You can use the abroad as examples but come back home and use examples from the SE. Use examples of Igbos contesting political posts in the North or let’s see how many Yorubas are in CS in the East. It’s always you people wanting to take and take from others.” He added, “Why is it only in the SW that you people look for this inclusion? Are you saying there are no Igbos born and bred in Kano and the likes? Why are they not contesting political posts in the North? Or in the SS. Are there no Yorubas born in the East? Do they drag posts with indigenes.”
@Suavelanre commented, “These guys are deliberate about their actions. Nigeria belongs to all only when they are encroaching on your space but their lands belong to them in their lands.”
Discovery of Biafra Posts
Netizens then delved into Obuaku's past social media posts and uncovered her strong support for the Biafra Republic, a defunct secessionist state. One of her posts read, “There is an ominous silence on #Biafra. The ‘divide and rule’ policy of the British marginalised most ethnic groups before the war and the Igbos were marginalised after the war! The loss of #Biafra deepens the loss of the #igbos. Until we address #Biafra the trauma lingers!” Another post stated, “The loss of #Biafra is a trauma for all. Until issues of marginalisation and inclusion are addressed, #Biafra remains embedded in our Psyche!”
Outrage Over Appointment
Many netizens expressed dismay that the Adeleke administration handed an appointment meant for a Yoruba person to an Igbo woman who does not believe in Nigeria. @Djorientation said, “@AAdeleke_01 Omo eskiss sir, una no dey do due diligence before una employ? Someone who doesn’t believe in Nigeria for that matter, una give appointment for a core Yoruba land like Osun. God!” @pontrol_777 stated, “SA to governor Adeleke of Osun State na Biafra agitator!! Adelekes have carried the entire Osun state and placed it into Igbos hands! That’s how he appointed Igbos to be in charge of Osun festival! I want that family out in power! They are selling Yorubas out!” @0nrewaju lamented, “Yorubaland is totally f–k#d! Awolowo and Akintola will be rolling in their grave. How does this one go appointment in Osun state fgs?”
