The Editorial Board of Irohinoodua, the leading Pan Yoruba media online, declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Man of the Year 2023.
This prestigious title was awarded to Tinubu after extensive considerations and heated debates, with the media group emphasizing his profound impact on Nigerian politics.
Irohinoodua, established in 2003, had previously named Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, as the Governor of the Year 2023. The Editorial Board, represented by Omolade Adegbuyi and Babatunde Samson Abiola, asserted that Tinubu’s selection was unanimous, underscoring his resilience and influence throughout the tumultuous year.
The media group highlighted Tinubu’s remarkable journey through the challenging political landscape of 2023. Despite facing vehement opposition and being the subject of intense scrutiny, Tinubu emerged victorious in the bitterly contested presidential election, breaking a decades-long grip on power held by a few military cabals.
For the first time in post-independence Nigerian history, a presidential candidate challenged the established hegemony, reshaping the political narrative. Tinubu faced adversaries from within his party, contending with attempts to derail his candidacy and smear campaigns aimed at undermining his credibility.
Irohinoodua acknowledged the unprecedented nature of Tinubu’s victory, emphasizing his ability to overcome internal party dissent and international pressures. The media group also highlighted the social media phenomenon surrounding Tinubu, with about 60% of political discussions revolving around his name.
The editorial statement recognized Tinubu’s continuous presence in Nigerian politics since 1999, marking him as a consistent and influential figure. The group concluded by commending Tinubu’s strategic decisions, including the selection of a Muslim vice-presidential candidate, which defied expectations and contributed to his triumph.
