Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has downplayed the public uproar over her brief interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, describing the online reactions as a “needless controversy.”
In a post on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said people often exaggerate simple situations and create distractions around leaders.
She wrote, “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 debate began after a video from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, went viral. The clip showed Governor Adeleke pausing after singing briefly during his speech. Mrs Tinubu walked up to the podium, gestured to him, and whispered something to him before returning to her seat.
The moment quickly sparked heated reactions online, with many questioning whether her action was appropriate.
This is the First Lady’s first public reaction since the video spread widely.
Reactions have remained mixed.
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, faulted the move. He said the First Lady should be cautioned, insisting that her gesture toward an elected governor was inappropriate.
In the same vein, African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu condemned the act, calling it bullying. He said Mrs Tinubu had “openly disgraced and embarrassed Adeleke before a global audience.”
However, others defended her.
Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State governor Adegboyega Oyetola, wrote on Facebook that the exchange was harmless. She said, “What transpired between Oluremi Tinubu and Adeleke was light-hearted and isn’t as serious as people are making it seem.”
Another Facebook user, Oyetunji Ayoade, also backed the First Lady, writing, “The highest respect the First Lady can give to Osun people is to stand up and inform him by herself, and she did.”
Governor Adeleke and the Presidency have yet to release further comments as discussions continue across social media.
