Nigerian First Lady Remi stops governor from singing
Nigeria's First Lady Remi Tinubu stopped Osun State governor Ademola Adeleke from singing at the 10th anniversary celebration of Nigerians most revered traditional leader.
A drama between Nigeria’s First Lady Remi Tinubu and the governor of the southwestern state of Osun, Ademola Adeleke, has sparked a social media buzz.
Adeleke had begun singing a song in the Yoruba language, praising God, when he was called to deliver his speech at an event in the town of Ile-Ife in that state. The Nigerian first lady approached him twice, asking him to stop.
The first lady's objection to the governor singing at the event was not immediately clear. The occasion, held at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja fII, one of Nigeria's most revered traditional leaders, was to celebrate his 10th anniversary on the throne.
The first lady's objection to the governor singing at the event was not immediately clear. The occasion, held at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, celebrated the 10th anniversary of his coronation. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II is considered one of Nigeria's most revered traditional leaders.
However, the incident has sparked a huge social media conversation. Some Nigerians say the first lady had overstepped her bounds given Adeleke is the governor of Osun state, where the ceremony was taking place, and that he is known for dancing and singing in most public occasions he attends.
However, others defended her action, saying the governor was taking too much time singing instead of presenting his speech.
The governor has not yet commented publicly on the incident. In her reaction, the Nigerian First Lady Remi Tinubu said in a post on social media: “Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinize every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy.”
During the occasion on Sunday, 7 December, the Nigerian first lady was conferred with a Yoruba traditional title, Yeye Asiwaju Oodua, which, according to the traditional ruler, “reflects leadership, service, compassion, and commitment to the progress” of the Yoruba people and the Nigerian nation at large.
The occasion was attended by high-profile individuals, including several state governors, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the overall head of the Nigerian Muslim community.