Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to the ongoing public debate surrounding her interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the 10th-year coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The incident, which took place on Sunday and quickly went viral on Monday, captured the moment Governor Adeleke walked up to the podium to honour the Ooni and congratulate the First Lady on her newly bestowed title, Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
Known for his energetic, music-infused style, the governor began chanting to the delight of some attendees. As he continued, Mrs Tinubu approached him gently, gestured for him to proceed, and whispered a reminder to deliver his remarks.
Public Reaction
The short exchange has since triggered heated discussions online.
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, criticized Mrs Tinubu’s conduct, saying she should be cautioned.
Similarly, Dele Momodu, chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, condemned the First Lady’s action in an Instagram post, describing it as an unnecessary show of dominance.
According to him, “Remi Tinubu has no constitutional role and should not publicly embarrass an elected governor. She went too far.”
Several social media users also weighed in.
One X user, OurFaveOnlineDoc, mocked the exchange, quoting what he believed reflected the First Lady’s tone:
“I’m giving you 5 more minutes… I will turn off the microphone. Stop the music.”
Another user, Ifeanyichukwu Samuel, questioned how “a democratically elected governor could be commanded” in such a manner.
A.A. Possible wrote, “Even the president has no right to treat an elected governor that way, let alone the First Lady.”
However, Supporters Defend Her
Despite the backlash, some Nigerians believe the moment has been exaggerated.
Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State governor Gboyega Oyetola, argued on Facebook that the exchange was lighthearted and misunderstood. She added that Mrs Tinubu herself had appealed for shortened protocols during her speech, noting concerns about late-night helicopter visibility.
Another commenter, Oyetunji Ayoade, said the First Lady showed respect by personally approaching the governor, rather than sending someone else.
Remi Tinubu Responds
Amid the controversy, the First Lady shared a photo with Governor Adeleke on Facebook, writing that those in leadership are often judged unfairly by followers who blow minor issues out of proportion.
“More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinize every step, amplify minor missteps, and create needless controversy,” she wrote.
As of the time of this report, the Osun State government has not released an official statement.
The broader question remains:
Was this a simple misunderstanding magnified by public perception, or does it reflect deeper concerns about power dynamics in Nigeria’s political space?
