Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed the public backlash regarding her interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, referring to the reactions as a “needless controversy.”
In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs. Tinubu expressed that critics often exaggerate minor issues, creating distractions around leadership. She stated, “Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinise every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy. Ọṣun lè tèǹtẹ̀ – Osun is ahead.”
Her comments came in response to a video clip from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, which captured Adeleke pausing after breaking into a brief song during his speech. In the clip, Mrs. Tinubu approached the podium, gestured towards him, and whispered, a moment that quickly went viral and sparked sharp reactions online.
This statement marks the First Lady’s first public response since the video began circulating. The episode has since divided public opinion.
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, suggested that the First Lady should be cautioned, insisting that her gesture towards an elected governor was inappropriate. Similarly, African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu condemned the act, describing it as bullying and alleging that Mrs. Tinubu had “openly disgraced and embarrassed Adeleke before a global audience.”
Conversely, some believe that Mrs. Tinubu’s actions were warranted. Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, shared on her verified Facebook page that the interaction was lighthearted. “What transpired between Oluremi Tinubu and Adeleke was light‑hearted and isn’t as serious as people are making it seem,” Fashola wrote.
In defense of the First Lady, Facebook user Oyetunji Ayoade remarked, “The highest respect the First Lady can give to Osun people is to stand up and inform him by herself, and she did.”
As of now, neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has provided further comments, although the incident continues to dominate discussions on social media.
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