The political aspirations of Beulah Adeoye, a 43-year-old member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, have ignited controversy on social media due to his choice of spouse.
Adeoye, married to an Igbo woman, Ifeoma, is believed to be eyeing the governorship seat currently held by Governor Seyi Makinde, who is also married to a non-Yoruba woman from Kalabari.
Although Adeoye has not officially declared his candidacy, his recent public statements suggest an inclination toward the Oyo governorship race.
One of his posts on X read, “As we navigate our shared vision for Oyo State, I am not entering this journey lightly. Leadership demands not only vision but also integrity, competence, and a willingness to engage with the complexities of governance. My commitment is to build on the progress we have made by creating pathways for growth that prioritize excellence, inclusivity, and accountability.”
However, this declaration has been met with criticism from some Yoruba youths who argue that Adeoye’s marriage to an Igbo woman disqualifies him.
Critics have also highlighted that his children bear Igbo names, which they see as a disregard for Yoruba culture.
An X user, @EsugbayiEleko, wrote:
“Your actions have spoken louder than any words ever could. You deliberately sidelined your Yoruba heritage by giving your children only Igbo names, erasing the Yoruba identity in your lineage. Now, you return to ask Yoruba women for their votes so you can bring your Igbo wife into the government house to preside over the very people whose culture and identity you dismissed.”
Another user, @funshographix, stated:
“You’re a Yoruba man, you married from Igbo ethnicity. In our culture, the kids must bear Yoruba names. Instead, you gave them Igbo names. The irony is you want to contest as governor in Oyo State. Why are lots of Yoruba men so stupid?”
This opposition has been fueled by lingering resentment from the tenure of Betty Akeredolu, an Igbo woman who served as the First Lady of Ondo State.
Betty sparked outrage when she referred to Yoruba people as “Ofemmanu” (palm oil soup people) on X after her husband’s passing.
Her comments have left a bitter taste, with many Yoruba users expressing distrust toward non-Yoruba First Ladies.
A user, @Luwoleni, linked the controversy to Adeoye’s aspirations, stating, “Do you people read the room at all and study the mood of Yoruba people at the moment? After the nonsense Betty Akeredolu did in Ondo State, this one too wants to bring an Igbo woman as First Lady.”
Similarly, Dotun Sanusi, the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has faced criticism over his wife’s Igbo heritage, especially with the possibility of him becoming Olubadan in the future.
Critics have cited alleged disrespect by his wife toward Yoruba traditions as a reason for their opposition.
The backlash has drawn mixed reactions from cultural and political leaders. Ogbonna Solomon, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, defended inter-ethnic marriages, urging critics to understand the context of Betty Akeredolu’s remarks.
He said, “They should stop intermarriage first. Then we will know they want to end any relationship they have with Igbo people.”
Debo Ologunagba, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, dismissed the criticisms, stating, “We have a constitution about citizens and qualifications. Your spouse is not a condition for you to be a candidate for a party.”
