Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed the public backlash trailing her brief interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, describing the reactions as a “needless controversy.”
In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said critics often magnify minor issues and create distractions around leadership.
“Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society,” she wrote.
“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.”
The First Lady was reacting to a viral video from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, which showed Governor Adeleke pausing briefly after breaking into a short song during his speech.
In the clip, Mrs Tinubu walked toward the podium, gestured to the governor and whispered something to him — a moment that quickly sparked debate online and drew mixed reactions.
Her statement on Tuesday marks her first public response since the video circulated.
The incident has since divided opinion across social media, with supporters on both sides offering differing interpretations of the exchange.
