Osogbo, Nigeria – A senior aide to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining democratic governance in Nigeria and consolidating power in a manner reminiscent of authoritarian rule.

Mr. Akintunde Bello Sheriff, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Bureau of Social Services, made the claims in a Facebook post on Monday, alleging that the president has turned Nigeria into what he described as a “personal estate.”

According to Sheriff, Tinubu's administration has exhibited traits that surpass the excesses of past military regimes. He criticized the president for what he termed “hypocrisy,” claiming that Tinubu has failed to uphold the democratic values he once championed.

“Bola Tinubu is a pretentious moralist and pseudo-democrat. Everything he accused former President Obasanjo of, he has done worse,” Sheriff wrote.

He cited alleged interference in state matters, particularly in Lagos and Osun States, as examples. Sheriff referenced the conduct of elections into Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos despite a Supreme Court ruling dissolving them, accusing Tinubu of supporting “illegal structures.” He also alleged that public funds in Osun State are being diverted to party loyalists who were removed by the courts.

The governor’s aide further expressed concern over the growing public presence of the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, whom he accused of wielding undue influence in governance.

“Seyi Tinubu follows his father almost everywhere on official missions. You begin to wonder if Nigeria is now being run as a family enterprise,” he wrote.

Sheriff also claimed that democratic institutions have weakened under the current administration, stating that the military “was nicer” in comparison.

This is not the first time the Adeleke administration has clashed with the federal government. In August, Governor Adeleke accused the Tinubu-led administration of withholding local government funds to frustrate his government.

As of press time, the presidency has not responded to the latest allegations.