A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has listed six individuals he described as the ‘highest ranking Nigerians’ in their respective fields.
The author and social media influencer shared his thoughts on Sunday via X (formerly Twitter).
Omokri listed all-Yoruba names apparently to get at ‘Obi-dients’, a group of supporters loyal to the Labour Party presidential candidates in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi. He mentioned President Bola Tinubu; Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Prof, Wole Soyinka; the newly elected Nigerian-Briton Conservative Party leader in United Kingdom, Kemi Badenoch; US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Wale Adeyemo, among others as ‘highest ranking’ Nigerians in different fields of endeavours around the world.
In the post, Omokri wrote: “As of today, the highest ranking Nigerian in Nigeria is President Bola Tinubu, while the highest ranking Nigerian in the United States is Wale Adeyemo, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, whereas the highest ranking Nigerian in the United Kingdom is Kemi Badenoch, Member of Parliament and leader of His Majesty’s Opposition.”
Omokri went on to identify key figures in other fields, stating: “Additionally, the highest ranking Nigerian in the field of academics is Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, while the highest ranking Nigerian in journalism is the Pulitzer Prize-winning Dele Olojede, and finally, the most celebrated Nigerian in the field of medicine is Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, Chief of Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, and pioneer of fetal and neonatal surgery.”
In a thought-provoking conclusion, Omokri highlighted a shared cultural background of the individuals, suggesting: “Could it be a coincidence that all six of them are Lukumi Yorubas? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I know that Lukumi culture is based on humility and respect for parents, age and authority. Scripture says in Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:32 that if you honour your parents and the elderly, God will honour you.”
Omokri underscored his points by quoting biblical verses: “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12.
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:32.
He also referenced James 4:6: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Omokri concluded his post with a patriotic message, stating: “May God bless Nigeria and continue to promote her people worldwide.”
The list has sparked discussions online, with many reflecting on the significance of the prominent figures and the cultural ties they share, and others strongly disagreeing with his list.
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