Demola Olarenwaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media and Strategy to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu and his associates from Lagos of extravagant living at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He claimed that Tinubu and his “Lagos boys” in Aso Rock believe Nigerians will endlessly tolerate their lifestyle funded by public resources while the average citizen endures hardship.
In a post on X, Olarenwaju criticized Tinubu and his circle for being disconnected from the challenges of everyday Nigerians. He argued that governing Nigeria with a mindset shaped by Lagos does not reflect the reality faced by most of the country.
“If you judge the effect of T-pain with the attitude and coping mechanisms of Lagosians, you’ll wrongly conclude ‘it isn’t that deep,’” Olarenwaju wrote. “Lagos is a microcosm of Nigeria, but it is not a true reflection of the average Nigerian. To govern Nigeria as Lagos is a mistake in political leadership, and to draw conclusions about Nigeria from Lagos is poor judgment.”
He continued by explaining that Lagos attracts people from across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, all driven by a strong desire to “hustle and succeed.” He noted that Lagosians’ resilience often leads them to intensify their efforts rather than openly display disappointment.
“Tinubu and his Lagos Boys group in Aso Rock are out of touch with the reality of many Nigerians — another reason why diversity is important,” he stated. “Tinubu wrongly believes that Nigerians can forever tolerate his living large on public expense while the average Nigerian suffers.”
Olarenwaju also suggested that if Tinubu were more attuned to the struggles of Lagos residents, he might recognize the subtle signs of “hunger, pain, and frustration” that Lagosians, known for their resilience, often conceal.
He referenced an incident involving a Lagos danfo driver, who nearly set himself and a LASTMA officer on fire, as evidence of rising frustration among Nigerians.
“People are frustrated, and they will not need Sowore to call for revolution when they’re ready,” he concluded.
