Oluremi Tinubu Dismisses Backlash Over Viral Interaction With Governor Adeleke, Calls It “Needless Controversy”

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has downplayed the public reaction to her brief interaction with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, calling the criticism “needless controversy.”

In a statement on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs. Tinubu said that while leaders understand their duties, it is often followers and critics who amplify minor issues. 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.”

Her comments came after a video from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, showed Governor Adeleke pausing after singing a short song during his speech. In the clip, Mrs. Tinubu approached the podium, gestured to him, and whispered something, a moment that quickly went viral and sparked online debates.

The First Lady’s statement marks her first public response since the video circulated, an incident that continues to divide public opinion.