Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to public criticism regarding her interaction with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, describing the backlash as a “needless controversy.”
The event, held in Ile-Ife on Sunday, marked a decade of Oba Ogunwusi’s reign and included the conferment of the traditional title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua on Mrs Tinubu, a distinction previously held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.
The ceremony, intended to celebrate the monarch’s decade of leadership, took an unexpected turn during Governor Adeleke’s goodwill speech.
While delivering his remarks, Governor Adeleke praised the Ooni’s achievements and acknowledged Mrs Tinubu for her contributions to national development.
During the speech, he broke into a song, prompting the First Lady to approach the podium and inform him that he had “five minutes to conclude” his message. She also warned that she would switch off the microphone if the musical portion continued.
The interaction, captured on video, quickly circulated in national media. Amid the ensuing debate, Mrs Tinubu issued a statement via her Facebook page on Monday night, emphasising that leaders are often unfairly scrutinised for minor actions.
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.”
The statement marked the First Lady’s first public response since the video circulated. She highlighted that the criticisms often magnify routine protocol matters and create distractions around leadership.
While the incident has generated discussion, official responses from government offices remain limited. Neither Governor Adeleke nor the presidency has issued further comments regarding the episode.
The Osun State Government has also not released an official statement addressing the interaction.
During the ceremony, the Ooni of Ife expressed appreciation for Mrs Tinubu’s longstanding support, noting her role in facilitating impactful initiatives across the country. He acknowledged her contributions over the past decade, referring to her as “the mother of the nation” and commending her dedication to both the monarch and broader community development.
The events require careful navigation of tradition, political office, and public perception. In this instance, Mrs Tinubu’s intervention was framed as an effort to manage the proceedings of a formal ceremony while adhering to time constraints and the structure of the programme.
As the situation develops, public and institutional attention remains focused on the balance between ceremonial roles and political office, highlighting broader considerations of protocol, leadership, and the management of high-profile events in Nigeria.
