Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has criticised former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George for his recent political statements, urging him to embrace the dignity expected of someone his age. Olayinka stated that George, who was Military Governor of the old Ondo State in 1988, should act as an elder statesman rather than appearing frequently on television to attack younger politicians. He described George's conduct as an embarrassment to himself and the Yoruba people, accusing him of "dancing naked in the market place of politics."
Olayinka challenged George to account for the PDP's lack of success in Lagos State since 1999, noting that the party has not won a single polling unit there under his leadership. In contrast, he pointed out that PDP has produced governors in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Osun states during the same period. He urged George to explain why the party remains politically sidelined in Lagos instead of making personal attacks. The statement called for restraint and maturity, suggesting that George should refrain from inflammatory appearances and focus on constructive contributions.
No official response from Bode George was reported.
A political aide invoking ethnic dignity to rebuke an elder suggests a shift from policy debate to generational and cultural reproach. When conduct becomes the issue, the substance of criticism risks being overshadowed by tone.
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