A brief exchange between First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary has snowballed into a national debate, drawing strong reactions after media publisher Dele Momodu openly criticised the First Lady’s conduct.
The now-viral moment captured Mrs Tinubu interrupting the governor during his address, asking him to shorten his remarks and refrain from singing during his speech — a move many described as abrupt and unnecessary, while others defended as a matter of event orderliness.
In a detailed post on his X page, Momodu condemned the First Lady’s intervention, calling it “totally repugnant to openly disgrace, insult, and bully the Chief Executive of Osun State before a global audience.”
He argued that she acted outside any constitutional authority and questioned whether she would treat a northern governor the same way if he were reciting the Quran.
Momodu also shared a past encounter with Mrs Tinubu, saying he had personally experienced her temper. Despite his criticism, he concluded that the real issue was Nigeria’s citizens: “I blame the squeamish Nigerians who chose to be voluntary slaves in their own country.”
Momodu’s post ignited intense responses from supporters and critics alike. Here are some rwactions:
@JesusOverNaija criticised the First Lady’s action, asking, “Who has more authority, governor or president’s wife?” and suggesting she would not dare do the same with tougher governors.
@iOccupyNigeria mocked the situation, saying the governor was “lucky” the First Lady didn’t escalate the confrontation, referencing past viral altercations involving lawmakers.
@Sola_OMO9JA rebuked Momodu directly, accusing him of emotional bias: “You still tweet like Ekukes… Direct your anger to Senator Oluremi Tinubu and leave Nigerians out of it.”
@swish_salt taunted Momodu, suggesting he once backed down from confronting Mrs Tinubu, calling his story self-indicting.
@Olubanki sided with Momodu, saying Mrs Tinubu failed to show the same respect she expects for her husband: “Very shameful.”
@Ewesterling defended the First Lady, saying she spoke “calmly and respectfully,” while insisting Governor Adeleke “often behaves unprofessionally.”
@Roughdiamond_04 argued that Adeleke should have pushed back immediately: “If I am an elected governor… the coronation would have ended there and then.”
@IMikozil insisted the First Lady overstepped, saying, “You can’t come to my constituency and tell me how to address my people.”
@obinali_henry broadened the criticism, claiming the First Lady’s family had been “disgracing Nigeria” and accusing the political establishment of lacking decorum.
@Laczopee pointed out a contradiction in Momodu’s argument, saying: “You blame voluntary slaves but you yourself respect ‘uncle Bola’.”
@udaonu reacted humorously, noting that even the Redeemed Christian Church of God “received stray bullet” from Momodu’s critique.
@Ginincu_6688 offered a more balanced view, saying the First Lady was wrong but adding that Adeleke “deserves it as well” due to his casual public style.
The mixture of criticism, defence, mockery, and political commentary highlighted deep divides around decorum, political power, and public expectations.
While the debate intensifies online, neither Governor Adeleke nor the First Lady has publicly addressed the incident. Adeleke’s calm response during the event — and his refusal to react afterward — has become a talking point of its own, with some calling it gentlemanly and others calling it passive.
The episode has now evolved beyond the original moment. It has sparked conversations about the role of unelected figures at public events, respect among political leaders, and the blurred lines between personal influence and constitutional authority in Nigerian politics.
The debate continues to trend, with no signs of cooling down.
