Recent social media discussions have alleged that Adekunle Onanuga, purportedly the son of President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga, is a drug addict and openly gay individual residing in the United States. Some internet users, particularly on X, have even claimed that Onanuga has two sons who are drug addicts and gay, though no name has been suggested for the second alleged son.
These speculations have mainly been driven by individuals and groups with political affiliations opposing the veteran journalist. However, it is crucial to note that these claims originate from user-generated content on social media and have not been verified by credible news organisations. Additionally, neither Bayo Onanuga nor his family has issued an official response to the allegations.
What we know
Bayo Onanuga is married to Toyin Machado-Onanuga, who retired from the Lagos State Civil Service in December 2022. The couple married in 1989 and waited several years before having a child.
The Onanugas have only one child, a daughter named Tobiloba, who got married at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David, Trinity Towers, Victoria Island, in December 2024.
Some longtime staff of TheNEWS magazine—co-founded by Onanuga—fondly refer to him as “Tobias” due to his well-known devotion to his daughter, whom many call Tobi. Unlike some of his colleagues, Onanuga was known to be a family-oriented man, often participating in school runs at a time when such responsibilities were not typically associated with men.
When asked about the possibility of Onanuga having children outside his marriage, one of his close associates said, “I will be shocked to the bone marrow if true. I can bet my life this is not true. He has never shown any sign he is capable of that.”
Verification
Given the lack of concrete evidence and the politically charged context in which these allegations have emerged, it is essential to approach such claims with caution. Spreading unverified information can perpetuate misinformation and harm the individuals involved. Without corroborative evidence from reliable sources, the speculations about Onanuga’s supposed ‘sons’ remain unsubstantiated.
Verdict
There is no evidence to support claims that Bayo Onanuga has a drug addict or openly gay son in the United States. The allegations are false and politically motivated.
