Alex Onyia, an education influencer on X (formerly Twitter), posted: “Peter Obi is like Lee Kwan Yu of Singapore. Leaders like him come once in a generation.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, swiftly rebuked the post. He accused Onyia of insulting Nigerians with the comparison and urged him to delete it. He added sharp criticism of Obi’s governance as Anambra State governor.
He called the comparison “amusing” and “absurd,” noting Onyia even misspelled “Lee Kuan Yew.”
He asserted that Obi showed no visionary leadership in office, leaving Awka’s capital in worse shape and failing to build classrooms.
Quoting a Yoruba proverb, he emphasised that leadership ability is shown early in life, and concluded: “Delete your egregious joke. You have insulted Nigerians.”
Lee Kuan Yew is widely regarded as the founding father of modern Singapore, famed for his visionary and transformative governance. Onanuga implied Obi does not measure up.
The incident highlights ongoing tension between supporters of Peter Obi and the Tinubu administration, with Onanuga frequently criticising Obi publicly.
Political messaging: Onanuga’s reaction discourages lofty comparisons and seeks to frame narrative around Obi’s actual record.
Social media dynamics: It reflects how influencers and political aides shape discourse by calling out or endorsing viral claims.
