Yoruba take 9, rest of Nigeria gets 7 in new CBN appointments raise eyebrows

The recent appointment of 16 directors at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing to what they describe as a clear imbalance in regional representation.

Of the 16 individuals selected by the president Tinubu’s administration, 9 appear to be of Yoruba descent a pattern many interpret as favoritism in a nation where federal character is a constitutional mandate.

Here’s a breakdown of the appointees:

1. Dr. Olubukola Akinwunmi Akinniyi – Director, Banking Supervision
2. Yusuf Rakiya Opeyemi – Director, Payment System Supervision
3. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo – Director, Consumer Protection
4. Abdullahi Hamisu – Director, Banking Services
5. Dr. OJumu Adenike Olubunmi – Director, Medical Services
6. Mr. Makinde Kayode Olanrewaju – Director, Procurement & Support Services
7. Mrs. Jide-Samuel Omoyemen Avbasowamen – Director, Information Technology
8. Mrs. Sike Rita Ijeoma – Director, Financial Policy and Regulation
9. Dr. Victor Ugbem Oboh – Director, Monetary Policy
10. Mr. Nakorji Musa – Director, Trade and Exchange
11. Dr. Vincent Monsurat Modesola – Director, Strategy Management and Innovation
12. Mr. Farouk Mujtaba Muhammad – Director, Reserve Management
13. Dr. Adetona Sikiru Adedeji – Director, Currency Operations and Branch Management
14. Mr. Hassan Ibrahim Umar – Director, Development and Finance Institutions Supervision
15. Mr. Solaja Mohammed-Jamiu Olayemi – Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision
16. Dr. Okpanachi Usman Mose – Director, Statistics

The imbalance 9 directors presumed to be Yoruba versus 7 from other regions has fueled discussions about the CBN’s commitment to inclusive governance. Critics argue that appointments to such critical roles should reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity, not tilt heavily toward any one group.

In a country as diverse as Nigeria, these kinds of skewed appointments reignite long-standing debates around nepotism, ethnic favoritism, and the undermining of federal character principles. The Central Bank is yet to issue a statement addressing the controversy.