Backlash over my interaction with Adeleke at Ooni’s event ‘needless controversy’ — Remi Tinubu

Remi Tinubu and Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed public backlash over her interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling the reactions a “needless controversy.”

In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said critics often magnify minor issues and create distractions around leadership. 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 comments followed a video clip from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, which showed Adeleke pausing after breaking into a short song during his speech.

Mrs Tinubu walked to the podium, gestured to him, and whispered to him — a moment that quickly went viral and drew sharp reactions online.

The First Lady’s statement marks her first public response since the video circulated.

The episode has since divided opinion.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, Akintunde Bello, said the First Lady should be cautioned, insisting that her gesture toward an elected governor was inappropriate.

Similarly, African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu criticised the act, describing it as bullying and alleging that Mrs Tinubu had “openly disgraced and embarrassed Adeleke before a global audience.”

Some, however, believe that Mrs Tinubu’s action was justified.

Dayo Fashola, an aide to a former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, on her verified Facebook page, said the interaction between the duo was lighthearted.

“What transpired between Oluremi Tinubu and Adeleke was light‑hearted and isn’t as serious as people are making it seem,” Fashola wrote.

Similarly, Facebook user Oyetunji Ayoade defended 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.”

Neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has issued further comments, even as the incident continues to dominate social media discussions.

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