Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has downplayed public criticism over her brief onstage interaction with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing the reactions as a “needless controversy.”
In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said minor issues were often exaggerated by critics and followers who closely scrutinise public officials.
“Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society,” she wrote. “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 comments follow the circulation of a video from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. In the clip, Governor Adeleke briefly paused after singing during his speech, prompting the First Lady to walk up to the podium, gesture toward him, and whisper to him — an exchange that quickly went viral.
Mrs Tinubu’s statement is her first public response since the footage sparked widespread online debate.
Reactions have remained sharply divided.
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on the Bureau of Social Services, criticised the First Lady’s gesture, saying she should be cautioned and describing the act as inappropriate toward an elected governor.
Also reacting, African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu accused Mrs Tinubu of “embarrassing Adeleke before a global audience,” calling the act disrespectful.
Others, however, have defended the First Lady.
Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, described the exchange as lighthearted and blown out of proportion. Similarly, Facebook user Oyetunji Ayoade wrote that Mrs Tinubu’s decision to approach the governor directly showed respect for the people of Osun.
Neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has issued additional comments, as the incident continues to dominate discussions on social media.
