Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has downplayed the public outrage that followed her brief interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary, describing the reactions as unnecessary.
In a statement she posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said many controversies arise not from leadership actions but from how the public interprets them.
According to her, “Those entrusted with leadership understand their responsibilities. Too often, it is critics and observers who overanalyse situations and inflate minor issues into needless controversy. Osun is ahead.”
The uproar began after a trending video showed Governor Adeleke stopping mid-speech after breaking into a short song. The First Lady walked up to him, gestured for his attention, and whispered something to him. The brief interaction quickly went viral and sparked heated debate across social media.
Mrs Tinubu’s statement is her first reaction since the video surfaced.
The incident has drawn mixed opinions.
Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, criticised the First Lady’s gesture, calling it inappropriate toward an elected official.
Opposition figure Dele Momodu also faulted her approach, describing it as disrespectful and saying it embarrassed Governor Adeleke in public.
Others, however, have defended Mrs Tinubu.
Dayo Fashola, a former aide to ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, said the moment was harmless and did not warrant the outrage.
Similarly, social media commentator Oyetunji Ayoade argued that the First Lady acted respectfully by personally approaching the governor instead of causing a scene.
Neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has released further statements as reactions to the clip continue to dominate online discussions.
