A relative of the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, Mrs. Motunrayo Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu, has dismissed circulating social media claims that the Minister plans to abolish Yoruba studies in schools, describing the allegations as false, politically driven, and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu, the MD/CEO of Okay Group, faulted online reports suggesting that Dr. Alausa is pushing policies to remove Yoruba from the school curriculum. In a statement, she described the claims—sparked by a viral social media post—as baseless, divisive, and intended to create ethnic tension.
The controversy began when a social media user accused the Minister of neglecting Yoruba interests, questioning his cultural identity and even the names of his children. The post rapidly spread, drawing reactions that portrayed Alausa as disconnected from his roots.
Responding, Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu emphasised that the Minister’s lineage firmly establishes him as Yoruba. “Dr. Alausa is my uncle. He is from Lagos State on both sides of his family. His mother has roots in both Lagos and Ilesa. He is a true Yoruba son, a true Lekombi Omo Eko,” she said.
She argued that the allegations were driven by political rivalry and personal frustration rather than genuine concern about Yoruba education.
“I don’t know why people are cursing him over a policy he knows nothing about. These attacks are not about education; they are political,” she stated, adding that detractors appear threatened by the Minister’s rising influence.
Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu described Alausa as a “quiet achiever” dedicated to improving education policy and supporting people without seeking public praise. “This is a man who helps people privately. Many look up to him in Lagos. He doesn’t announce his good deeds,” she noted.
She also rejected claims linking the controversy to his religious background, explaining that the family has strong roots in both Islam and Christianity.
Urging Nigerians to avoid divisive rhetoric, she called for responsible information sharing. “People should be very careful. I am not speaking politics; this is about who Dr. Tunji Alausa truly is,” she said.
