Ife Salako, a 2023 House of Representatives candidate for the Alimosho Constituency, has hit back at Ogbeni Dipo Awójídé following allegations that he selectively avoids criticizing certain political figures while targeting others. In a strongly worded statement on his X handle, Salako described Ogbeni as a “filthy coward” who thrives on divisive tribal rhetoric to remain relevant.
Ogbeni Dipo had earlier accused Salako of sparing Peter Obi, Kenneth Okonkwo, Valentine Ozigbo, and Cubana Chief Priest from criticism between 2022 and 2025, while reserving “daily vitriol” for President Bola Tinubu, Wole Soyinka, Toyin Abraham, and other Yoruba figures.
Responding, Salako dismissed the claims as lies, insisting that his record of commentary proves otherwise. “Ogbeni Dipo @OgbeniDipo went on to lie to his narrow-minded bigots that I don’t address anything concerning Okonkwo, Cubana, and Valentine Osigbo. I understand your need to fan divisive tribal rhetoric to remain relevant to your slave masters, but depriving yourself of every sense of dignity is quite animalistic,” he wrote.
He also emphasized his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and the Yoruba nation’s progress.
“Ogbeni, what I have done, still doing, and will do for the Yoruba race, iran d’iran e can NEVER achieve it. The people you extort in the name of CV, I employ and pay them. Igi imu jina s’ori. You see the fight for the UNITY OF NIGERIA; I will fight it to the last!” Salako declared.
The commentator accused his critic of hypocrisy, noting that while Dipo enjoys equal opportunities abroad, he promotes division at home.
“You hide in a country where everyone, irrespective of their tribe, religion, status, and background, is given equal opportunity to thrive, but you are here deliberately dividing your nation because you want please your political criminals. FILTHY COWARD!” he added.
Salako’s statement sparked a wave of responses from Nigerians online. Many rallied behind him, praising his contributions, while others criticized his tone.
Winose @GIbadin wrote, “You and @OgbeniDipo are not in the same class, my brother. You are an employer of labor, a contributor to Nigeria’s economy. @OgbeniDipo is a laborer who takes the crumbs that fall from Seyi Tinubu’s table. Disregard him, Akan.”
Another user, Macauley @AKANINYENEMACAU, described Dipo as “a professor without innovation,” encouraging Salako to continue his work: “My brother, please continue to be a decent man; posterity will be fair to you.”
Some, however, faulted Salako for his approach. Oladele @Dele93748586 wrote, “You told an elderly man, older than your father, to shut up! That goes against Yoruba culture’s teaching of respecting elders. Sooner or later, you will face the consequences.”
Others, like Charles_Emmy (@CharlesEmmy19), hailed Salako’s courage: “The day I’ll meet you, sir, I’ll worship and praise your name. Truly, you’re an exceptional human. I pray for you; no weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
Similarly, Samyus @Samyus15 urged him to stand firm: “All the names he listed, including himself, are clearly the worst of humans in our society. Boss, stand your ground.”
The debate has highlighted Nigeria’s deepening political and ethnic divisions, as well as the role of social media influencers in shaping public discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
