Tinubu’s Appointment of Another Yoruba Man as Fire Service Boss Sparks Outrage Over Regional Imbalance
Tinubu’s Appointment of Another Yoruba Man as Fire Service Boss Sparks Outrage Over Regional Imbalance
By Matthew Eloyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest appointment of Deputy Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi as the new Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has triggered a wave of criticism from Nigerians who are raising concerns over increasing regional imbalance in the leadership of major paramilitary agencies.
The announcement, conveyed by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), confirmed that DCG Adeyemi’s appointment will take effect from August 14, 2025, following the retirement of the current Controller-General, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji Olola.
While Adeyemi’s credentials have been described as impressive, having transferred from the FCT Fire Service and risen through the ranks to oversee the Human Resource Directorate; many Nigerians are voicing frustration over what they see as a troubling pattern of lopsided appointments favouring the South-West region, particularly individuals of Yoruba descent.
Critics have pointed out that with Adeyemi’s appointment, key leadership positions in the country’s paramilitary structure are now overwhelmingly dominated by Yoruba officials.
On social media and other public platforms, Nigerians expressed outrage, warning that continued favoritism toward one region in federal appointments threatens national unity and undermines the principle of federal character.
“This is becoming too obvious. Almost all the heads of key paramilitary services are Yoruba. What message is Tinubu sending to the rest of the country?” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user wrote: “No one is questioning Adeyemi’s qualifications. But where’s the balance? Nigeria has six geopolitical zones, not just one.”
Some civil society groups have also begun issuing statements, urging the federal government to reconsider its approach and ensure fairness and inclusivity in future appointments.
Despite the backlash, the Board praised the outgoing Controller-General, Engr. Jaji Olola, for his outstanding contributions and reforms within the Fire Service, and expressed confidence that Adeyemi will continue to steer the service toward enhanced professionalism and performance.
However, as the controversy grows, political analysts warn that the government must be more sensitive to Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity — especially at a time when the nation is grappling with rising tensions and calls for equity.
