By james art 
A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, listed six individuals he described as “the most senior Nigerians” in their respective fields.
The author and social media influencer shared his thoughts on Sunday via X (formerly Twitter).
Omokri listed all Yoruba names apparently to reach the ‘Obi-dients’, a group of supporters loyal to the 2023 Labor Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He mentioned President Bola Tinubu; Africa’s first Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; the newly elected leader of the Nigerian-British Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, Kemi Badenoch; US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Wale Adeyemo, among others as “top-ranking” Nigerians in various fields of endeavor around the world.
In the post, Omokri wrote: “As of today, the highest-ranking Nigerian in Nigeria is President Bola Tinubu, while the highest-ranking Nigerian in the United States is Wale Adeyemo, the US Deputy Treasury Secretary, while the highest-ranking Nigerian in the United Kingdom is Kemi Badenoch, Member of Parliament and Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition.
Omokri went on to identify key figures in other fields, saying: “Furthermore, the highest-ranking Nigerian in academia is Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, while the highest-ranking Nigerian in journalism is Pulitzer Prize winner Dele Olojede and finally, the most prominent Nigerian in the medical field is Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, chief of surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, and a pioneer in fetal and neonatal surgery.”
In a thought-provoking conclusion, Omokri highlighted the shared cultural background of the individuals, suggesting: “Could it be a coincidence that all six are Lukumi Yoruba? Maybe. Maybe not. But I know that Lukumi culture is based on humility and respect for parents, age and authority. Scripture says in Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:32 that if you honor your parents and elders, God will honor you.”
Omokri underscored his point by quoting Bible verses: “Honor your father and your mother, that you may live long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12.
“Stand up in the presence of the elders, show respect to the elders and honor your God. I am the LORD. – Leviticus 19:32.
He also referred to James 4:6: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Omokri ended his post with a patriotic message saying, “May God bless Nigeria and continue to promote her people all over the world.”
The list sparked discussion online, with many reflecting on the significance of the notables and the cultural connections they share, while others strongly disagreed with his list.