Osun

Nigerians Divided As First Lady Interrupts Adeleke’s Speech at Ooni’s Coronation Anniversary

ByHafsoh Isiaq

PublishedDecember 8, 2025

Nigerians on social media have been divided following a viral video showing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, interrupting Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the 10th coronation anniversary celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

In the video, OSUN DEFENDER observed that Governor Adeleke, in his usual style, began singing a gospel song at the point where he was expected to deliver his official address.

Apparently dissatisfied with the delay, the First Lady stood up, approached the governor, and urged him to proceed with his speech, reportedly giving him “five minutes.” She also threatened to take the speech document if he continued singing instead of delivering the address.

The incident has since sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, with many interpreting the First Lady’s action differently.

Those Who Believed Tinubu Was Right

Some Nigerians argued that Senator Tinubu acted within reason and simply wanted to keep the event orderly.

Faleye Ola Treasure wrote: “She was 100% right. How can the governor sing three different songs before giving his speech? Time is money. People came from far and near for the programme. He should be time conscious.”

Mallam Folorunsho N. Apomu also criticised the governor: “The governor seems to lack seriousness. Not every event is an opportunity for dancing. Leadership requires moments of earnestness and focus.”

Akinlabi Abdulrazaq Abiodun added, “She interrupted his dancing, not his speech. How can a governor sing three different songs before addressing people? It’s not every time he should sing and dance.”

Odeyemi Paul said, “There is time for everything. It is not every time His Excellency should dance when he is supposed to be praying.”

Those Who Felt the First Lady Breached Protocol

Another section of Nigerians insisted that Mrs Tinubu’s action was improper and violated basic protocol.

Afolabi Sherif said; “From a protocol and etiquette point of view, it was not appropriate. Interrupting a sitting governor during his official address at a formal royal event is disrespectful, unless there was a clear emergency or prior communication on time limits. Even if the governor exceeded his time, it was the event coordinators—not the First Lady—who should have handled it.”

Caleb Oluwanifise supported this view: “Even if it’s a boss correcting a gate man, it’s not right. She should have asked the organisers for more time or communicated politely. But this is Nigeria—anything is possible.”

Those Who Saw It as a Friendly Interaction

Some Nigerians interpreted the exchange as harmless and based on the personal closeness between Adeleke and the First Lady.

Akinremi Ibrahim Adeyemi wrote: “It depends on their closeness. They sat next to each other for years in the Senate.”

Mustapha Adedayo added: “They are paddy. They know each other very well and have been close since their Senate days.”

Kenny Babaru de Akinniyi also stated: “She’s his personal person from the Senate. She can correct him. Besides, people came with helicopters and they can’t fly after 6pm. Must he dance all the time?”

Those Who Cited Religious and Cultural Sensitivity

Some Nigerians felt Adeleke’s choice of gospel music at a traditional event was inappropriate.

Ayinde Baba-Wande wrote: “She’s right. First, the gathering is a traditional religious programme. The governor is supposed to represent all faiths, not sing gospel music in such a setting. It shows disrespect for traditional leaders.”

Olaleye Ajayi added, “Time is important when different people with different purposes are assembled. He could sing worship songs after the programme.”

Calls for Caution in Making Assumptions

A few commenters warned against forming conclusions without knowing the exact conversation between the two.

Sk Ola said: “Nobody knows the exact conversation between the First Lady and Governor Adeleke. People are just assuming and drawing wrong conclusions.”

As the video continues to circulate online, it has once again brought issues of protocol, conduct in public office and respect for cultural and traditional institutions to the fore of national discourse.

Hafsoh Isiaq

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.