By Abdullahi Inuwa
Veteran journalist Babajide Otitoju has questioned claims surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s age, describing as “ridiculous” any suggestion that the Nigerian leader is older than the late business mogul and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
Otitoju made the remark while reacting to comments attributed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar concerning President Tinubu’s age.
According to the journalist, Abiola, who died in 1998, would have turned 89 in 2026 had he been alive.
Otitoju said the age comparison becomes difficult for him to accept, noting that Abiola and his late father were born in the same year.
He argued that accepting the claim that Tinubu is older than Abiola would effectively mean that the President was also older than his father.
«“MKO Abiola, if he were alive, he would be 89 today. So Atiku wants me to believe that Tinubu is older than MKO Abiola.»
“Abiola and my dad were born the same year, so Atiku wants me to believe that Bola Tinubu is older than my dad. There’s no way. It’s ridiculous.”
The statement has added another layer to the long-running public debate over the President’s age and biographical records, an issue that has repeatedly generated controversy in Nigeria’s political space.
Otitoju’s comments appeared to challenge the credibility of claims suggesting that Tinubu was born before Abiola, insisting that such a position does not align with his understanding of the historical records.
The debate over the ages and backgrounds of Nigerian political figures has persisted for years, often resurfacing during election seasons and periods of heightened political rivalry.
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