Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has publicly reacted to the intense debate surrounding her interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife.
The event, which held in Ile-Ife on Sunday, was meant to celebrate a decade on the throne for Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
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The ceremony also featured the conferment of the traditional title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua on the First Lady.
However, it took an unexpected turn after her exchange with Governor Adeleke.
While the governor stepped forward to deliver his remarks, he began by singing praises to the monarch and to the First Lady.
It was at this point she intervened, telling him: “Enough with the music, or I’ll switch off the microphone,” before instructing him that he had “five minutes to conclude” his message.
The moment was captured on video and immediately spread across social media, drawing widespread criticism from Nigerians who saw her tone as confrontational and unnecessary.
Amid the heated public reactions, Mrs Tinubu took to her Facebook page on Monday night to address the controversy.
Posting a picture of herself standing with Governor Adeleke, she wrote that public figures are often judged harshly for actions that might otherwise be overlooked.
In her words, “Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinize every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy.”
Her comment has not slowed down the backlash online. Many Nigerians insist her approach towards the governor was disrespectful and unbecoming of the office she occupies.