Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stirred public debate after she intervened while Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, briefly broke into song during his remarks at the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
A viral video shared on Monday captured the moment Adeleke approached the podium on Sunday to honour the Ooni and congratulate the First Lady on her new chieftaincy title, Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. True to his well-known lively and musical style, the governor launched into a short chant instead of beginning his address, drawing laughter from parts of the audience.
The First Lady who had just received her traditional title walked toward the podium, made a subtle gesture, and whispered to Adeleke, urging him to proceed with his speech. The exchange has since generated mixed reactions across social media.
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, criticised Tinubu’s action, saying she should be cautioned. Similarly, Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, condemned the intervention on Instagram, describing it as “bullying” and claiming the First Lady embarrassed Adeleke before a global audience.
Momodu wrote, “Remi Tinubu is not an elected officer of the government and has no role assigned to her in the constitution. It is totally repugnant to openly disgrace, insult and bully the Chief Executive of Osun State. She went too far.”
Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, offered a different perspective on Facebook, arguing that the moment was “light-hearted” and not as serious as critics claim. She noted that the First Lady herself had asked guests to excuse her for skipping protocol during her speech due to concerns about late travel, including limited helicopter visibility at night.
On X, user Hon. Rilwan (@rilwan_ola01) accused Tinubu of undermining the authority of the Osun State government in front of dignitaries, expressing strong displeasure.
Despite the criticisms, many online users have defended the First Lady, insisting that her action was appropriate and aimed at maintaining order during the event.
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