There was a brief moment of tension at the tenth coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife in Osun State when First Lady Oluremi Tinubu interrupted Governor Ademola Adeleke during his speech.
The event took place on Sunday December seven twenty twenty five to mark ten years of the reign of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. As part of the celebration, the Ooni bestowed the title of Yeye Asiwaju Oodua on the First Lady.
The ceremony drew several prominent figures from across the country, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and state governors such as Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and former First Lady Patience Jonathan.
Also present were Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, Hajia Fatimoh Abass, wife of the Speaker of the House, and Hajia Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President. Additional royal and government figures included Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Ogiame Atuwatse the Third, the Olu of Warri, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, Oba AbdWahab Oyedotun, the Orangun of Ila, and Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, an unexpected exchange occurred while Governor Adeleke was delivering his address. A video from the event shows the governor singing as part of his remarks, a style many of his supporters often associate with him. The First Lady appeared uncomfortable with the delay and stood up to approach him, urging him to focus on his speech and avoid wasting time.
She was heard speaking in Yoruba, telling him she would cut his speech short. Governor Adeleke responded by nodding and smiling lightly before continuing his address, after which the First Lady returned to her seat.
The incident quickly sparked reactions online, with many viewers describing the moment as surprising and awkward.
Some commentators said they were shocked by the public correction and felt it was handled in a disrespectful manner, while others defended the First Lady, suggesting she was simply trying to keep the programme on schedule. A number of viewers criticised the governor for what they described as a lack of seriousness during a formal event, while others argued that his expressive style did not diminish his performance or leadership.
The divided reactions have continued to fuel debate on social media, with opinions split on whether the interruption was a harmless correction or an unnecessary public embarrassment.
