Farotimi Slams ‘Statesman’ Label for IBB, Nigeria Calls on Nigeria to Stop Normalising Past Evils

Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and activist, has criticized the portrayal of former military president Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), also known as IBB, as a statesman, arguing that such praises merely serve to justify the “evils” he said were committed against Nigerians under Babangida’s rule.
In a succinct message posted on his verified 𝕏 account on Tuesday, Farotimi charged that Nigerians were using what he called mutual affirmation tactics to cleanse leaders with a dubious past.

Not exposing these vile cretins for what they are helps normalize the atrocities they have inflicted on the populace. This tactic of reciprocal affirmation has contributed to the persistence of evil. He wrote, “You can stop lying to yourself; IBB is not a statesman.”

Adesina’s Birthday Tribute That Generated Discussion
Farotimi’s remarks reportedly followed former African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s birthday greeting, in which he praised Babangida as one of Nigeria’s “foremost elder-statesmen.”

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As he celebrated the former military leader’s 84th birthday, Adesina wished him well and commended his “patriotic fervour, devotion, and commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress.”

In his post, Adesina congratulated H.E. General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, the former Head of State of Nigeria, on his 84th birthday. You continue to motivate the country as one of Nigeria’s most important elder-statesmen with your unwavering loyalty, patriotic zeal, and unwavering dedication to the country’s peace, unity, and advancement. Complete service with resilience is what defines your existence. Today and always, may God bless you with excellent health, strength, vitality, and happiness, surrounded by the affection of your loved ones. Greetings on your birthday, sir! With love from Yemisi and myself, Akin

However, online responses to the public acclaim were mixed, with Farotimi being one of the most vocal opponents of what he perceives to be an effort to erase history.

Babangida’s Contentious Heritage
According to Naija News, IBB, who governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, is still regarded as one of the most divisive figures in the nation.

Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO Abiola) was widely regarded as the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was annulled during his dictatorship.

Critics contend that his actions exacerbated poverty, strengthened corruption, and exacerbated Nigeria’s sociopolitical difficulties, despite his supporters’ frequent portrayal of him as a practical leader who implemented economic changes like the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).

But Farotimi’s scathing remark has rekindled the argument on whether Nigerians should remember Babangida as a leader whose actions left the country with long-lasting wounds or as an elder statesman worthy of national honor.