President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at his former ally and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, mocking him with the infamous “Half Salary” moniker. The President made the swipe during a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, August 20, 2026, where he hosted the newly elected Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Governor Adeleke’s visit to the State House followed his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. While receiving the governor, President Tinubu took a detour to defend his administration’s economic reforms, specifically targeting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s pledge to return the controversial fuel subsidy if elected in 2027.
During his address, the President recalled how previous administrations struggled to manage state resources, referencing Osun State’s historical financial struggles under Aregbesola.
Tinubu Slams Atiku’s Subsidy Proposal
Reacting to Atiku’s campaign promises, Tinubu described the proposal to bring back fuel subsidy as a step backward for the nation’s economy. He argued that the move reflects a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s fiscal realities.
“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it,” Tinubu said. “That is a demonstration of a serious ignorance on governance and economy. Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners, salary of workers.”
Addressing Governor Adeleke directly, the President added, “In your state, I know a man that I raised who is nicknamed half salary.”
The Origin of the ‘Half Salary’ Nickname
Rauf Aregbesola, who served as Osun State Governor from 2010 to 2018, was once a staunch loyalist and political godson of Tinubu. However, the political relationship between the two soured in the buildup to subsequent electoral cycles, leading to Aregbesola’s eventual exit to become a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The nickname “Half Salary” became associated with Aregbesola during the latter part of his tenure when Osun State faced severe revenue shortfalls. Due to the financial crunch, the state government implemented a modulated salary structure, paying certain categories of civil servants only a fraction of their monthly wages for an extended period.
Tinubu’s latest jab highlights the unresolved political friction between the political godfather and his estranged ally, even as the federal government continues to justify its subsidy removal policy amid ongoing national economic adjustments.