In a significant revelation following President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, insiders from the Ministry of Youth Development have indicated that Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the dismissed Youth Development Minister, was merely a ‘placeholder.’ This comes as Ayodele Olawande has been appointed as the new substantive minister, stirring political discussions.
Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that Olawande, previously the Minister of State in the same ministry, had long been the favored candidate of Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son. An official from the Education and Youth Development department, who requested anonymity, described Bio-Ibrahim’s time in office as marred by political machinations.
“The woman is just a victim of political manipulations. She didn’t enjoy her role as minister because the system was not in her favor,” the official stated.
They further noted, “Ayodele Olawande had been the presidency’s choice from the beginning. Seyi Tinubu wanted Olawande to be the substantive minister from day one but was unsuccessful. They were working to remove her all along.”
The official cited an incident in August where Bio-Ibrahim intended to hold a program in Ondo State aimed at discouraging youth from participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests. However, she faced opposition from factions that sought to keep her activities hidden from the President, ultimately preventing her from carrying out the initiative. It was anticipated that her removal from the position would occur eventually due to her lack of support from the political class.
News Editor