Family defends Minister Alausa as debate over Yoruba studies intensifies

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

A fresh social media debate over Yoruba language education in Nigerian schools has prompted a strong defence of the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Morufu Alausa, from his relative and business executive, Mrs. Motunrayo Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu, who says the online attacks are politically motivated and misleading.

Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu, MD/CEO of Okay Group, faulted claims circulating on Facebook that the minister is working to abolish the teaching of Yoruba in schools. She described the allegations initially triggered by a post from one Abulesowo Egbowon as “baseless, divisive, and targeted at tarnishing the minister’s public image.”

Egbowon’s post had accused Alausa of betraying Yoruba interests and questioned both his cultural identity and the names of his children. The post quickly spread, attracting comments that portrayed the minister as disconnected from his roots.

But in her response, Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu stressed that Alausa’s background firmly places him within Yoruba heritage.
“Dr. Alausa is my uncle. He is from Lagos State on both sides of the 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 those spreading misinformation were driven by frustration and political rivalry rather than genuine concerns 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 said, adding that detractors were likely unsettled by the minister’s rising profile.

Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu praised Alausa’s reform efforts in the education sector, describing him as a quiet achiever committed to improving policy and helping people without fanfare.
“This is a man who supports people privately. Many look up to him in Lagos. He doesn’t announce his good deeds,” she noted.

She also dismissed insinuations that his religious background played any role in the controversy, explaining that the family is deeply rooted in both Islam and Christianity.

Calling for calm, she urged Nigerians to verify information rather than rely on divisive online narratives aimed at stirring ethnic sentiments.

“People should be very careful. I am not speaking politics; this is about who Dr. Tunji Alausa truly is,” she said.