Editorial: Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Navigating The Intricacies of Nigerian Politics

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, currently Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, stands at a complex intersection in Nigerian politics. His ascent to this pivotal role, following a tenure in the House of Representatives for the Akoko North East/North West Constituency, exemplifies a blend of technical proficiency and controversies that demand a thorough examination within the context of Nigerian political dynamics.

From Akoko in Ondo State, Tunji-Ojo’s political journey is marked by both achievements and allegations. His electoral victory in the House of Representatives is noteworthy, yet it is shrouded in claims that he possibly manipulated the political system. Allegations suggest he may have influenced the main opposition party, the PDP, to field a weaker candidate, whom he reportedly compensated later. Such maneuvers, if true, highlight a concerning trend of manipulating democratic processes for personal gain.

Tunji-Ojo’s academic and professional background is impressive. A London Metropolitan University alumnus, he holds a Master’s in Digital Communication & Networking and a Bachelor’s in Electronics & Communication Engineering. His foray into the tech industry as the founder and leader of New Planet Projects Limited and Matrix IT Solutions Limited is complemented by a slew of certifications in ethical hacking, network engineering, and IT management. This background underscores his capability to bring modernization and efficiency to government bureaucracy.

His tenure as the Chair of the House Committee on NDDC was punctuated by the ‘off your mic’ national outrage during a public hearing with the then Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio (now Senate President). The incident, where Akpabio was stopped from potentially revealing more damaging information, cast a shadow over Tunji-Ojo, who denied allegations of benefiting from NDDC contracts and eventually resigned from the committee leadership.

Another controversy surrounding Tunji-Ojo pertains to irregularities in his NYSC certificate. It was Chinua Achebe who wrote in ‘Things Fall Apart’ that “When the moon is shining, the cripple becomes hungry for a walk.” Tunji-Ojo was a powerful and influential federal lawmaker chairing juicy committees when he decided to embark on his National Youth Service. He claims to have participated in the NYSC scheme between November 2019 and November 2020 while concurrently serving as a member of the House of Representatives. This contradicts the full-time engagement typically expected in both roles. The NYSC’s confirmation of the certificate’s authenticity, despite its issuance date being years after the claimed completion of the service, only adds to the ambiguity surrounding his compliance with statutory requirements for public office holders.

The unresolved legal challenge regarding this NYSC matter adds to the skepticism about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s judicial system in holding officials to account.

Tunji-Ojo’s tenure as Minister of Interior has seen significant administrative reforms, particularly in streamlining passport application processes. However, his tenure has been overshadowed by a scandal involving a ₦438 million Naira consultancy contract awarded to New Planet Projects Ltd by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. The contract award to a company he was once associated with, where his wife still serves as a director, raises concerns about conflicts of interest and governance ethics.

In sum, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s path in Nigerian politics serves as a compelling case study. His technical prowess and professional accomplishments contrast sharply with the controversies that have marred his political career. These allegations and disputes underscore the challenges that Nigerian politics face in balancing competence with ethical governance.

His story reflects the broader narrative of Nigerian politics, where the intertwining of merit, power, and ethical dilemmas often produces complex scenarios. Tunji-Ojo’s trajectory thus becomes a significant commentary on what constitutes effective and ethical leadership in Nigeria. It highlights the critical need for leaders who not only bring technical expertise and innovation to governance but also uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency. As Nigeria continues to evolve, the stories of leaders like Tunji-Ojo will undoubtedly shape the future of political leadership and governance in the country.

By: DOCTOR KEGBE

(CEO, Arogbo-Ibe Voice &

Head of Data/Documentation Management

Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation)