LaziotonyBayo Onanuga Biography 2026: Career and the Current VeryDarkMan Controversy
Introduction
Bayo Onanuga is one of Nigeria’s most influential journalists, media executives, and political communication strategists. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation in both the Nigerian media industry and national politics through his work as a newspaper founder, editor, government spokesperson, and presidential adviser.
Recently, his name returned to the center of public discourse after a major clash involving controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan, popularly known as VDM. The issue sparked heated debates online after Onanuga called for legal action against the influencer over an alleged fake audio involving President Bola Tinubu.
Bayo Onanuga Biography: Early Life and Background
Bayo Onanuga was born on June 20, 1957, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. He grew up in a disciplined Yoruba household that valued education, hard work, and integrity.
From an early age, Onanuga showed strong interest in reading, public affairs, and communication. His upbringing during Nigeria’s post-independence years exposed him to political developments that later influenced his passion for journalism and national discourse.
According to available public records, he attended:
- Muslim College, Ijebu Ode
- Federal Government College, Odogbolu
- University of Lagos
He eventually graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in Mass Communication in 1980.
Bayo Onanuga Biography: Beginning of His Journalism Career
After graduating, Onanuga began his media career at the Ogun State Television Authority (OGTVA), where he worked as one of the pioneer staff members.
His early years in journalism helped him gain practical experience in:
- News reporting
- Investigative journalism
- Political analysis
- Media management
He later moved into print journalism and worked with major Nigerian media organizations including:
- The Guardian
- National Concord
- African Concord
At African Concord, he rose through the ranks and became one of Nigeria’s most respected political journalists.
During this period, he worked alongside several media personalities who later became highly influential in Nigerian journalism and politics.
Founding of TheNEWS Magazine
One of the biggest turning points in Bayo Onanuga’s career came in the early 1990s.
Together with other journalists, he co-founded:
- TheNEWS Magazine
- PM News
- Tempo Magazine
These publications became extremely popular during Nigeria’s military era because of their fearless reporting and investigative journalism.
At a time when military governments heavily censored the press, TheNEWS Magazine became known for exposing:
- Corruption
- Abuse of power
- Human rights violations
- Political oppression
The magazine played a major role in pro-democracy journalism during the military rule of General Sani Abacha.
Onanuga and his colleagues often faced:
- Harassment
- Arrests
- Detentions
- Threats from security agencies
Despite the dangers, they continued publishing stories critical of military authorities.
This period established Bayo Onanuga as one of Nigeria’s boldest media figures.
Exile During the Military Era
During General Sani Abacha’s regime, many pro-democracy journalists faced persecution.
Onanuga reportedly experienced detention by security agencies before eventually leaving Nigeria temporarily for exile.
The military government viewed independent journalism as a threat, especially publications advocating for democracy and the validation of the June 12 election believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.
While abroad, Onanuga remained active in pro-democracy movements and continued supporting campaigns against military dictatorship.
He later returned to Nigeria after Abacha’s death in 1998.
Transition Into Political Communication
After years in journalism, Bayo Onanuga gradually transitioned into political strategy and communication.
His relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dates back many years, especially within progressive political circles in Nigeria.
Onanuga became one of Tinubu’s strongest media allies and frequently defended:
- Tinubu’s political ideology
- APC policies
- Government reforms
- Presidential decisions
During election campaigns, he served as an important spokesperson and communication strategist.
His ability to shape political narratives made him one of the most recognizable political media figures in Nigeria.
Appointment Under President Tinubu
In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Bayo Onanuga as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
The appointment officially placed him among the top communication officials in the Nigerian presidency.
As presidential adviser, his responsibilities include:
- Media communication
- Political messaging
- Public relations
- Strategic information management
- Government narrative coordination
Since assuming office, Onanuga has remained highly vocal on:
- Economic reforms
- Opposition criticism
- National policies
- Political controversies
He frequently uses social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to respond to critics and defend the Tinubu administration.
Current VeryDarkMan Issue
What Happened Between Bayo Onanuga and VeryDarkMan?
One of the latest controversies involving Bayo Onanuga centers around social media activist VeryDarkMan.
The issue started after a viral audio allegedly linked to President Tinubu circulated online.
According to reports, VeryDarkMan shared or referenced the audio in content criticizing the Nigerian government and urging Nigerians not to support Tinubu’s future re-election efforts.
Onanuga’s Reaction
Bayo Onanuga reacted strongly to the development.
In a statement shared via X, he reportedly said:
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law.”
He accused VeryDarkMan of spreading fake content and described the situation as an abuse of social media platforms.
The presidency argued that the viral audio was fake and misleading.
VeryDarkMan’s Response
VeryDarkMan later responded angrily to Onanuga’s statement.
Reports claimed the activist criticized the presidential aide and accused the government of focusing on him instead of national insecurity and economic challenges.
The controversy immediately exploded across Nigerian social media.
Public Reactions to the Controversy
The issue divided Nigerians online.
Supporters of Onanuga argued:
- Fake AI-generated content is dangerous
- Social media misinformation should be punished
- Political manipulation online can destabilize democracy
Supporters of VeryDarkMan argued:
- The government was attempting to intimidate critics
- Freedom of speech should be protected
- Social media activists are being targeted unfairly
Lawyer Deji Adeyanju also reacted to the controversy, arguing that the viral audio was not directly posted on VDM’s official platforms.
The debate quickly became one of Nigeria’s biggest online political discussions in 2026.
Bayo Onanuga and Tinubu’s Administration
As one of Tinubu’s closest media allies, Onanuga frequently defends the administration’s reforms.
He has publicly supported:
- Fuel subsidy removal
- Economic restructuring
- Tax reforms
- Naira reforms
- Energy sector changes
He also regularly communicates presidential decisions to the public.
Some Nigerians appreciate his consistency and loyalty, while others see him as overly combative in defending government policies.
Bayo Onanuga’s Media Influence
Few Nigerian journalists have influenced both media and politics like Bayo Onanuga.
His influence spans:
- Journalism
- Political communication
- Government media strategy
- Public affairs commentary
Over the years, he has built strong connections across:
- Media houses
- Political institutions
- Government agencies
- APC political structures
Supporters view him as:
- Intelligent
- Experienced
- Fearless
- Strategic
Critics, however, accuse him of:
- Aggressive political communication
- Partisan media defense
- Attacking opposition figures online
Regardless of public opinion, his impact on Nigerian political communication remains significant.
Role in Nigerian Democracy
Onanuga’s role during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle remains one of the strongest aspects of his legacy.
TheNEWS Magazine and PM News became symbols of resistance during military rule.
The publications exposed:
- Government corruption
- Human rights abuses
- Electoral injustice
Many younger journalists today still regard Onanuga and his colleagues as pioneers of independent investigative journalism in Nigeria.
His transition from anti-military journalism to government communication also reflects Nigeria’s democratic evolution over the decades.
Social Media Presence and Public Engagement
Unlike many older political figures, Bayo Onanuga remains highly active online.
He frequently shares opinions on:
- National politics
- Economic reforms
- Opposition parties
- Government achievements
- Social controversies
His posts often generate:
- Massive reactions
- Heated debates
- Criticism
- Political arguments
Because of his blunt communication style, many Nigerians regularly discuss his statements across:
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube
His social media presence has become a major part of Nigeria’s modern political communication landscape.
Controversies Around Bayo Onanuga
Throughout his career, Onanuga has been involved in several controversies.
Some of the biggest include:
- Political comments about opposition supporters
- Statements defending Tinubu
- Social media arguments
- Reactions to national economic hardship
- Comments viewed as politically divisive
Critics often accuse him of using harsh rhetoric online.
Meanwhile, supporters believe he is simply defending government policies and responding to misinformation.
Several of his social media comments have gone viral over the years and sparked national debates.
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Relationship With Nigerian Media
Despite now serving in government, Onanuga remains deeply respected in journalism circles because of his historical contributions to press freedom.
However, some critics argue that his transition into politics changed his approach to media criticism.
The debate over whether journalists should later become political actors is often discussed when analyzing his career.
Still, his contributions to Nigerian media history remain undeniable.
Personal Life and Family
Bayo Onanuga generally keeps his personal and family life private.
However, he is known to value:
- Family
- Yoruba culture
- Education
- Public service
Unlike many public figures, he rarely discusses his private life extensively online.
Most public attention remains focused on his journalism and political career.
Legacy and National Influence
Whether admired or criticized, Bayo Onanuga has built one of the most influential media careers in Nigerian history.
His legacy includes:
- Fighting military dictatorship
- Founding influential newspapers
- Shaping Nigerian political communication
- Advising presidents
- Influencing public discourse
He represents a generation of journalists who risked their freedom during Nigeria’s military era.
At the same time, he remains one of the most controversial political communicators in modern Nigerian politics.
Criticism and Public Perception
Public opinion about Bayo Onanuga is deeply divided.
Admirers describe him as:
- Courageous
- Experienced
- Strategic
- Intelligent
- Patriotic
Critics describe him as:
- Aggressive
- Partisan
- Politically confrontational
- Too combative online
This division has become even more visible during the recent VeryDarkMan controversy.
Discussions across Reddit and other platforms show how emotional and polarized public reactions can be whenever Onanuga trends online.
Conclusion
Bayo Onanuga remains one of Nigeria’s most recognizable media and political figures.
From his fearless journalism during military rule to his role as a presidential adviser under Bola Tinubu, his career has spanned decades of Nigerian political transformation.
His involvement in the current VeryDarkMan controversy once again demonstrates how influential he remains in shaping political narratives and public debate in Nigeria.
Love him or criticize him, Bayo Onanuga continues to play a major role in Nigeria’s political communication space, and his voice remains one of the most powerful in the country’s media landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Bayo Onanuga?
Bayo Onanuga is a Nigerian journalist, newspaper founder, and Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
Where is Bayo Onanuga from?
He is from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria.
What is Bayo Onanuga known for?
He is known for:
- Co-founding TheNEWS Magazine
- Pro-democracy journalism
- Political communication
- Serving as Tinubu’s media adviser
What position does Bayo Onanuga hold?
He currently serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.
What is the issue between Bayo Onanuga and VeryDarkMan?
The controversy started after Onanuga called for legal action against VeryDarkMan over an alleged fake audio involving President Tinubu.
Is Bayo Onanuga a journalist?
Yes. Before entering government communication, he was one of Nigeria’s most prominent journalists and media founders.
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