The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following her public intervention during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s speech at her coronation as Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua in Ile-Ife on Sunday.
During the event, Mrs Tinubu reportedly threatened to turn off the microphone as Governor Adeleke began singing, sparking widespread attention and debate online.
In a statement released Wednesday, Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo reaffirmed the party’s support for the First Lady, describing her actions as measured, patriotic, and well-intentioned.
“The Lagos State chapter of the APC stands firmly behind First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her timely counsel to Governor Ademola Adeleke, urging him to prioritize governance over public performances,” the statement said. “Her intervention, delivered at an event hosted by the revered Ooni of Ife, was neither demeaning nor condescending. It was rooted in statesmanship, motherly wisdom, and a genuine concern for the dignity of public office.”
The party argued that public office demands focus, discipline, and commitment, emphasizing that entertainment should never overshadow leadership responsibilities.
“Governance is a sacred mandate entrusted by the people. While culture and self-expression are important, they must not eclipse the essential duties of leadership,” the statement added.
According to the APC, Governor Adeleke’s public performances have drawn attention away from pressing state issues, including economic development, healthcare, education, youth employment, and infrastructure.
The party stressed that leaders should be measured by performance and policy outcomes rather than public applause or entertainment.
APC also warned against portraying Mrs Tinubu’s actions as an attack, calling such claims “disingenuous and misleading.” The party described her advice as a patriotic reminder intended to preserve the dignity of the governor’s office and uphold public expectations.
“History is unkind to leaders who mistake popularity and entertainment for competence and effective governance,” the statement concluded.
