Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has responded publicly to the growing debate over her interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife.
The ceremony, held on Sunday in Ile-Ife, marked a decade on the throne for Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and included the conferment of the Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua title on the First Lady.
However, celebrations took an unexpected turn following a tense exchange between Mrs Tinubu and Governor Adeleke.
As the governor stepped forward to deliver his remarks, he began by singing praises to the monarch and the First Lady. She cut in, saying, “Enough with the music, or I’ll switch off the microphone,” before directing him to “conclude in five minutes.”
A video of the moment quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism from Nigerians who considered her tone confrontational and unnecessary.
Amid the backlash, Mrs Tinubu addressed the controversy late Monday via her Facebook page, sharing a picture of herself standing beside Governor Adeleke. She noted that public office holders are often judged more harshly, with minor actions easily exaggerated.
“Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinize every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy,” she wrote.
Despite her remarks, online criticism has continued, with many insisting her approach towards the governor was disrespectful and unbecoming of her position.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government has not issued an official response to the incident.