Rep member Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in Lagos State, has announced a new phase of training that now includes Yoruba people. The Federal lawmaker, who is not a native of Lagos and not Yoruba, is facing heavy backlash on social media after releasing a list of constituents sponsored to China and South Africa for studies in cybersecurity, nursing, food production, and artificial intelligence.
The list sparked outrage as it revealed that 24 out of 29 names were from his Igbo ethnicity, with only five being Yoruba. Angered Yoruba youths took to social media to lament discrimination in their own state by a non-native they had given political power. Claims emerged that the few Yoruba names might be AI-generated, as netizens questioned why one of them was Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the same name as an 18th-century missionary.
Following the backlash, Onuakalusi quickly published another list full of Yoruba names, stating they were scheduled for a new training phase. He wrote, "As part of my continued commitment to human capital development and empowering our people with global exposure, skills acquisition, and professional advancement, I am pleased to announce that my constituency office remains open and active for engagement. In line with this vision, another batch of beneficiaries has been selected for international training opportunities in China, South Africa, and Taiwan."
The new list included names such as Omotoyosi Aberejo, Adelakun Adeyinka, Omotunde Adekale, Abdulfattah Olabamiji, Oresanya Temitope, Abdulraheem Temidayo, Ajikanle Babatunde, Muhideen Bello, Ajike Omotunrase, Abike Abdulwaheed, Enitoluwafe Adetunji, Isa Bello, Yunusa Umar, Usman Babaginda, Abdullah Babatope, Omotoyese Aderibigbe, Olayinka Grace, Usman Nagogo, Mary Ediale, and Chukwudi Philips. He said the initiative reflects his resolve to invest in people by creating access to international learning and life-changing opportunities.
However, the new list was immediately dismissed by netizens who viewed it as a fabrication to quell the outrage. An X user, @AlukoOluwole, said, "You and your media teams are dumb to think Yoruba’s will fall for this, fabricating names that don’t exist just to push your ignorance agenda. People are now seeing through the lens of your bigoted mindset and Igbo agenda. 2027 we can all understand better than before."
@Adesolatim1 commented, "How did we get here in the first place? You are employing 20 people and 16 of them are from the eastern part of the country? If not for the shout you won’t come out with this imaginary list. Trust me on this, you are not returning."
@Dr_Otitoju said, "After the criticism, he has gone to manufacture Yoruba names as upcoming beneficiaries. Whoever believes this bullshit is an ambassador of stupidity."
@itsmorenikee added, "AI generated names. This bastard really thinks Yorubas are stupid."
@lasgidii001 remarked, "I don’t know if I should believe this or not but the fact that they’re not included yesterday already shows you’re not a good representative of the Isolo people."
@movie4you1122 noted, "Lol Yoruba first name with Muslim surnames? How na and what the fuck is aberejo? And what is ajinkale? Lol muyideen bello? Reminds me of that popular Muslim cleric, and what sort of Yoruba name is enitoluwafe? You made the same mistake with this name as you did with ajayi crowther."
