Yoruba Council of Elders advises Osinbajo not to resign despite constant provocations and humiliations

VICE president Professor Yemi Osinbajo has been advised by the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) nor to resign despite the constant undermining of his office by those close to President Muhammadu Buhari known as the kitchen cabal.

Earlier this week, 35 of Professor Osinbajo's aides were axed, including Obafemi Awolowo's grandson and former Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi's daughter, prompting suggestions that the presidency is trying to frustrate the vice president. Many political commentators are of the opinion that the move is part of the jostling ahead of the 2023 elections as the gladiators shape up for battle.

It is believed that President Buhari's kitchen cabinet led by his chief of staff Abba Kyari, are behind the move as they seek to curtail the influence of Professor Osinbajo to prevent him from running for president in four years time. This comes on the back of several other humiliating moves made against the vice president, including the dissolution of the Economic Management Team he heads.

However, the YCE has urged Professor Osinbajo not to react to the provocations, while at the same time reminding President Buhari to remember his deputy's loyalty to him. Dr Kunle Olajide, the YCE general secretary, said it was obvious that some persons were seriously working against the vice president, pointing out that the 2023 presidential ambition of some of Professor Osinbajo’s persecutors was the reason for doing this.

Dr Olajide added:  “We know like other Nigerians that there are enough signs that some people are working against Osinbajo but who the people are, I don’t know. It is obvious that some people are working against him and unfortunately, it appears as if Mr President is dancing to their tune.

“I will urge Mr President to remember the vice president’s loyalty to him in the past four years, especially when he was out of the country for three months and refused to allow unguarded ambition to push him. President Muhammadu Buhari and vice president Yemi Osinbajo hold the ticket together, both of them were elected on a joint ticket, so Osinbajo should not resign.

“Osinbajo should remain god-fearing and people-centred in his activities and in the end, he will be vindicated. No matter the motivation of some 2023 presidential aspirants against him, he should remain steadfast in what he is doing in the past four years that are acceptable to Nigerians and to God.”