Sunday Igboho blasts Makinde over Tinubu jibe, says mocking president disrespectful

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his recent physical display at a political gathering, accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu.

Igboho, in a video that has gone viral on social media, described Makinde’s stage-jumping stunt as childish and condemned what he interpreted as an attempt to mock the President over his physical abilities.

The activist warned that he would respond to anyone who insulted Tinubu, declaring that he would not tolerate what he considered disrespect towards the Nigerian leader.

“He was jumping around like a frog and a mad man, insulting Tinubu, saying Tinubu can’t jump like him as if he doesn’t have a father,” Igboho said in the video.

He added, “If you insult Tinubu, I will insult you back.”

Igboho also cautioned against mocking elderly people, arguing that respect for older persons should be upheld regardless of political differences. He further described Makinde’s conduct as a disgrace.

The comments have added another dimension to the controversy surrounding Makinde’s public display of physical stamina at a South-West political town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State.

How the controversy started

The controversy began on Thursday when Makinde, during a town hall meeting in Akure linked to his 2027 presidential ambition, jumped down from the stage to demonstrate his physical energy.

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Makinde, who is reportedly pursuing the presidency under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), argued that the 2027 election should focus on candidates’ energy and capacity rather than their age.

He challenged other presidential aspirants to demonstrate similar physical stamina, suggesting that voters should consider such displays when making their choices.

“If they can do that, vote for them,” he said.

Although Makinde did not mention Tinubu by name during the demonstration, the gesture was widely interpreted by some observers as an indirect reference to the President’s age and physical capabilities.

Tinubu, who was born on March 29, 1952, is 74 years old, while Makinde, born on December 25, 1967, is 58.

The incident has since generated reactions among political supporters and commentators, with differing interpretations of whether Makinde’s action was a general demonstration of stamina or a veiled criticism of the President.

Political rivalry intensifies ahead of 2027

The exchange comes as political activities and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with prospective presidential contenders seeking to distinguish themselves from political rivals.

Makinde’s comments have drawn attention to the debate over age, physical energy and leadership, while Igboho’s response highlights the sensitivity surrounding public remarks about the President.

However, Makinde did not explicitly identify Tinubu as the target of his demonstration, and his stated argument was that presidential candidates should be judged by their energy rather than age.

Igboho’s reaction underscores how public gestures by political figures can generate wider controversy when interpreted through the lens of partisan competition.

With political conversations around the 2027 elections intensifying, further reactions to the incident are expected as politicians, supporters and other stakeholders continue to debate the significance of Makinde’s demonstration and the criticism it has attracted.