‘Even Tinubu’s praise singer called him a boy’ — Atiku’s aide fires back

Olusola Sanni, a strategic media associate to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has defended the former vice-president’s repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu simply as “Bola”, citing a song composed in honour of the president by a northern Nigerian musician.

Sanni made the remarks on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, October 12, while responding to questions about Atiku’s refusal to address Tinubu by his presidential title.

During the programme, an anchor identified as Kelly questioned why the former vice-president repeatedly addressed Tinubu by his first name rather than acknowledging him as president.

“Why is he refusing to refer to President Bola Tinubu as President Tinubu? Why is he having to call him by his name?” the anchor asked.

Responding, Sanni argued that Atiku was not the first person to address the president informally, pointing to a song by a musician from northern Nigeria.

“Atiku will not be the first to refer to him as Bola… there is a musician in some part of Northern Nigeria who created an album for him and called him Omo Ologo,” he said.

“Omo Ologo means ‘a boy’; the musician called him ‘a boy,’” Sanni added.

The song, titled Omo Ologo, was performed in honour of Tinubu by popular northern political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara.

The Yoruba expression is commonly translated as “child of glory” and is generally complimentary rather than derogatory.

The exchange comes amid controversy over Atiku’s repeated use of Tinubu’s first name in his political statements ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former vice-president has faced criticism from some political figures who consider the practice disrespectful to the office of the president.

Former presidential campaign director Akin Osuntokun and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo are among those who have publicly criticised Atiku over the issue.