KEY POINTS

• The Remi Tinubu controversy continues to dominate social discussions.
• Critics questioned her gesture toward Governor Adeleke.
• Supporters say the exchange was misinterpreted.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, pushed back against criticism of her interaction with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary, describing the public outrage as a “needless controversy.”

Her statement, shared on Facebook, marked her first direct response since the short video of the exchange spread across social media and triggered wide debate.

Reactions grow around Remi Tinubu controversy

In her post, Mrs Tinubu said minor incidents often become inflated talking points in public life. She argued that those who lead know their responsibilities and understand how to manage the duties that come with their roles. “Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society,” she wrote. She added that critics tend to scrutinise small moments and turn them into larger debates. “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 remarks followed the circulation of a clip from the Ooni’s event, which captured Governor Adeleke pausing mid-speech after breaking into a brief song. Mrs Tinubu walked toward the podium, gestured to him and whispered something to him. The exchange lasted only a few seconds, yet the video drew an immediate wave of reactions online and spread across multiple platforms.

The incident has since split opinion. Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant on the Bureau of Social Services to Governor Adeleke, criticised the First Lady’s action and said she should be cautioned. He argued that an elected governor should not be addressed in that manner during a public ceremony. Dele Momodu of the African Democratic Congress also challenged the gesture, describing it as inappropriate and claiming that it embarrassed the governor before a wide audience.

Supporters defend Remi Tinubu controversy

Others pushed back at the criticism. According to Punch, Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, said the moment between Mrs Tinubu and Adeleke had been misinterpreted. She wrote that the encounter was lighthearted and did not reflect any disrespect. Another Facebook user, Oyetunji Ayoade, also defended Mrs Tinubu and said she showed respect by addressing the governor directly instead of making the situation more public.

Neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has commented further on the episode, even as the discussion continues to dominate social media feeds and fuel wider arguments over conduct in public office.