OPC Warns Asari-Dokubo Over Anti-Yoruba Comments

The leader of the Reformed Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Dare Adesope, has issued a stern warning to former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, over his recent derogatory comments against the Yoruba ethnic group.

In a recent live broadcast that has since gone viral online, Asari-Dokubo launched scathing attacks on President Bola Tinubu and the Yoruba ethnic group, labeling them as betrayers. He also declared his intention to align with northern political interests to ensure Tinubu is denied a second term in office come 2027.

Reacting to these statements, Chief Adesope, in a statement released in Lagos on Tuesday, condemned Asari-Dokubo’s remarks, asserting that they do not reflect the sentiments of the Ijaw people, whom Asari claims to represent.

He urged the public to disregard the former militant leader’s provocative outbursts, describing them as reckless and unrepresentative of the longstanding cordial relationship between the Yoruba and the Ijaw ethnic groups.

Adesope stressed that Asari-Dokubo should speak for himself and not jeopardize the peaceful ties between the two groups with his inflammatory statements.

“Asari does not speak for the Ijaw Nation. His words are nothing but personal grievances and should be treated with the disdain they deserve,” Adesope remarked.

The OPC leader went further to remind the public that Asari-Dokubo himself had previously acknowledged the personal support he received from Tinubu.

In a 2023 online interview, Asari openly admitted that Tinubu had bought him his first car after his release from prison, paid his children’s school fees, fed his family, and even provided his wife with a house.

Adesope accused Asari-Dokubo of being self-serving and duplicitous. He revealed that after visiting President Tinubu two years ago and pledging to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, Asari’s interest was primarily driven by the hope of securing the lucrative pipeline surveillance contract.

However, when the contract was awarded to his kinsman, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, Asari turned against Tinubu out of bitterness and envy.

“His frustrations stem from his inability to corner the pipeline contract for himself. Now, rather than accept his shortcomings, he resorts to hurling insults at Tinubu and the Yoruba,” Adesope stated.

Furthermore, Adesope challenged Asari-Dokubo to point to any meaningful empowerment initiative he has provided for his followers, labelling him a selfish leader whose only concern is personal enrichment. He warned that such disrespectful comments about the Yoruba would no longer be tolerated.

“If he continues to malign the Yoruba, we will be compelled to restrict his movement within Yorubaland,” he cautioned.

The OPC leader also referenced Asari-Dokubo’s earlier bluster during the political crisis in Rivers State, where he claimed that if Governor Siminalayi Fubara were removed by Nyesom Wike, he would resist.

“Yet, nothing came of his threats; instead, a state of emergency was declared, and he has remained mute since then,” Adesope observed.

Concluding his statement, Adesope emphasized that the Ijaw Nation is a proud and dignified people who cannot stoop so low as to have someone like Asari-Dokubo speaking or leading on their behalf. He described Asari’s utterances as immature, unstable, and lacking the depth and wisdom expected of a true leader.