Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is facing heavy criticism after a viral video showed her interrupting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during a public event—an exchange many Nigerians have described as disrespectful and unnecessary.
The incident occurred on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where the First Lady was being conferred with a chieftaincy title by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The ceremony drew a high-profile audience, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors, cabinet members, lawmakers, and top traditional rulers.
In the widely circulated video, Governor Adeleke—known for his jovial public persona—began his remarks with a short Christian hymn. Within seconds, Mrs. Tinubu stood from her seat, approached the podium, gestured toward him, and whispered something. Adeleke paused, visibly confused. As he attempted to conclude the hymn, the First Lady again gestured toward him, warning that his microphone would be switched off if he continued.
The moment instantly ignited social media outrage, with many Nigerians accusing Mrs. Tinubu of humiliating the elected governor. Critics said her actions were inappropriate, unconstitutional, and unbecoming of her office.
On Tuesday, the First Lady dismissed the backlash as “needless controversy,” accusing critics of exaggerating a minor interaction.
“Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society,” she wrote on Facebook. “More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinize every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy. Ọṣun lè tèǹtẹ̀—Osun is ahead.”
Critics Call It ‘Bullying’ and ‘Public Humiliation’
Reactions have been intense. Dele Momodu, publisher, politician, and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, described the First Lady’s behaviour as “totally beneath her office.”
“The First Lady carries no constitutional authority to publicly reprimand an elected governor,” Momodu wrote, adding that her conduct amounted to “public humiliation before a global audience.”
He also questioned why a pastor—Tinubu is a long-time member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God—would object to a governor offering praise to God before his speech. Momodu asked whether she would have treated a northern governor reciting Qur’anic verses the same way.
Renowned academic and columnist Dr. Farooq Kperogi echoed the criticism, labelling the First Lady’s demeanour “arrogant and imperious.”
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke, said Mrs Tinubu’s actions were inappropriate and should be condemned.
Still, not everyone agreed.
Some allies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the First Lady. Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, insisted online that the exchange was “lighthearted.” Another social media user argued that Mrs. Tinubu showed “respect” by standing up to speak directly with the governor rather than sending an aide.
Silence From Adeleke, the Presidency
Neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has issued a formal response. Meanwhile, the footage continues to fuel nationwide debate—ranging from questions about decorum in public office to concerns over the First Lady’s growing influence in national politics.
What began as a celebratory cultural event has quickly evolved into one of the most polarising political flashpoints of the week, underscoring how intensely Nigerians scrutinise the actions of those close to power.
