Resurfaced 1994 and 2023 publications from PM News, founded by Bayo Onanuga, and Peoples Gazette have reignited accusations of ethnic bias and misinformation, with critics labeling him “bigotry personified.”
In a viral post on X by The General Snow (@GeneralSnow_) on March 14, 2025, which has sparked widespread criticism of Bayo Onanuga, branding him “bigotry personified” over his history of publishing unverified and divisive reports.
The post highlights a 1994 headline from PM News, one of Onanuga’s publications, which falsely claimed that Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, a respected Igbo leader, urged military dictator Sani Abacha to execute Yoruba political figure MKO Abiola.
This resurfaced report has reignited concerns over how Onanuga’s media platforms contributed to deepening ethnic tensions between Igbos and Yorubas during Nigeria’s turbulent political era.
Fact-checks conducted by @AskPerplexity and several X users, including @Iwunna and @KANULEVI247, have found no credible evidence supporting the claim attributed to Ojukwu.
However, netizens argues that Onanuga’s publication deliberately pushed a divisive narrative without verification, fueling dangerous sentiments between ethnic groups.
Many are now questioning why such misinformation went unchallenged at the time and how it shaped the long-standing distrust between communities.
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The controversy has gained new relevance as Onanuga currently serves as a presidential spokesman under Bola Tinubu.
His past reporting is now being scrutinized alongside his recent unapologetic stance on derogatory remarks against Igbos.
Netizens like @GanjaYorub15579 have accused him of using his media influence to push “lies and propaganda,” with some suggesting that his publications played a role in poisoning generational relations between ethnic groups in Nigeria.
@dan_agabi said, It really too long for bigotry to finally pay him. I don’t envy him.
@KANULEVI247 said, They really poisoned generations minds against another, just like what we’re seeing with the western media today.
@prince_ironsi said Bigotry master, that means all the newspapers and articles he wrote are filled with lies and propaganda.
As the debate intensifies, calls for greater media accountability and historical fact-checking have grown louder.
Netizens have said that Onanuga, who hold key government positions, must be held responsible for their role in spreading misinformation that has long-term consequences.
The resurfacing of this controversy underscores the need for ethical journalism, particularly as Nigeria grapples with ethnic and political divisions fueled by past and present media narratives.
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