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False quote attributed to T.Y. Danjuma circulates online

Fatimah Quadri
Fatimah Quadri
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Theophilus Danjuma
Theophilus Danjuma

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A claim attributing a statement to Theophilus Danjuma (T.Y. Danjuma) praising the Igbo tribe as “fearless seekers of truth” and calling them “the backbone of progress in Nigeria” circulates online.

The claim was posted by Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, on his X handle (@arefada1).

The post read:

Breaking News: “What an Igbo man sees with his eyes closed, a Yoruba professor cannot see even with his eyes wide open,” says General TY Danjuma in a bold and controversial statement. According to him, “The only reason the Fulani and Hausa still love the Yorubas is because they are natural-born followers, always afraid to stand up for what they truly believe in. Unlike the Igbos, who question everything — and that questioning spirit is what makes them truly human.” He further added that Nigeria’s problem is not about tribe or religion but about courage and truth. “The Igbos are fearless seekers of truth; they challenge power and question lies. That’s why they are misunderstood, yet they remain the backbone of progress in this country,” he said. Your thoughts on this?

READ:Charly boy’s 2024 comment falsely attributed to Emir Sanusi

The post has garnered over 400,000 views, 4,300 likes, and 1,800 reposts.
Danjuma is a Nigerian politician and retired military officer who played a key role in post-independence military and political events in Nigeria. He was Chief of Army Staff from July 1975 to October 1978

CLAIM

T.Y. Danjuma made the quote in circulation comparing Igbos and Yorubas.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub indicate that the claim is FALSE!

Screenshot of the claim attributed to T.Y Danjuma; INSERT False verdict
Screenshot of the claim attributed to T.Y. Danjuma; INSERT False verdict

The post, which was labelled as “Breaking News,” suggested that Danjuma made divisive remarks about ethnic groups in Nigeria. However, a keyword search across credible news platforms revealed that no reputable media outlet reported any such statement attributed to the retired general.

Further checks on Danjuma’s verified online presence found only a Facebook page managed by a parody account, with no record of such comments.

When The FactCheckHub reviewed his most recent public appearance, it was during his turbaning ceremony as the Gang Paan Ganye by the Gangwari Ganye, HRH Alhaji Adamu Sanda, in June 2025. At the event, Danjuma only spoke about his health and aging, saying: “Time is running out for me rapidly, as you can see. I’m a sick old man,”
as quoted by The Guardian.

READ ALSO: Charly Boy shares old video of warehouse looting amid ‘End Bad Governance’ protests

A search also showed that there is no record or footage of him making any ethnic-related remarks as alleged in the viral post, as such would be widely shared across social media channels.

When our researcher reached out to Charly Boy to know his source of the statement, he did not respond as at the time of filing this report.

THE VERDICT

The quote in circulation attributed to Danjuma praising the Igbo while criticising other ethnic groups is FALSE.

Fact-checker at The FactheckHub | fquadri@icirnigeria.org |  + posts

Seasoned fact-checker and researcher Fatimah Quadri has written numerous fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy pieces for The FactCheckHub in an effort to combat information disorder. She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org.

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