Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is drawing mixed reactions after she interrupted Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke when he briefly broke into song during his remarks at the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
A video from the ceremony, now circulating widely online, shows Adeleke stepping up to the podium on Sunday to honour the monarch and congratulate the First Lady on her newly conferred chieftaincy title, Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. True to his animated style, the governor began with a short chant that amused some members of the audience.
Shortly after, Oluremi Tinubu having just received her title approached the podium and politely urged Adeleke to continue with his formal address. The brief exchange has since ignited conversations across social media.
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, criticised the First Lady’s action and called for caution. In the same vein, African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu described her intervention as “bullying” and an unnecessary embarrassment to the governor “before a global audience.”
Some social media users also interpreted her gesture as undermining the authority of the Osun State government.
Others, however, have defended the First Lady, describing the moment as harmless. Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, said the incident was overblown, noting that the First Lady had earlier asked guests to allow her skip some protocol due to time limits and concerns about nighttime helicopter visibility.
Supporters further argued that addressing the governor directly was a sign of respect rather than condescension.
The incident continues to fuel debate online, exposing contrasting views on protocol, decorum, and leadership conduct in Nigeria’s political space.
Advertisement
