Tinubu’s aide defends ambassadorial list, says president’s judgement stands

President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has defended the President’s recent list of ambassadorial nominees, saying the selections reflect Tinubu’s considered judgement on what would best serve his administration and the nation.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, Oshodi argued that appointing political associates or long-standing allies to diplomatic posts is a long-established global norm.

He pointed out that leaders around the world routinely rely on trusted individuals when filling key diplomatic roles.

“From Donald Trump sending close associates abroad to the British government once posting Peter Mandelson to Washington despite the controversies around him, this is simply how diplomacy often works,” he said.

Oshodi stressed that while character and competence remain important, the final decision on who represents the country overseas ultimately rests with the President.

He added that public criticism of the nominees overlooks the fact that the electorate entrusted Tinubu with the authority to make such decisions.

“We elected a president to exercise his judgement. These are the people he believes will advance the interests of his administration and the country,” he said.

According to him, debates over whether the nominees are “the best” are subjective, and only their performance in office will reveal the merit of the choices.

“Everyone has their own definition of what ‘best’ means. These individuals will be representing the government in various spheres; economic, security, cultural, and it is their output that will speak in the end,” Oshodi concluded.