Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed the public backlash trailing her 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 trivial issues and create unnecessary distractions around leadership.

“Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. 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,” she wrote.

The comments were her first public response to a viral video from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.


In the clip, Governor Adeleke paused briefly after singing during his remarks, after which Mrs Tinubu approached the podium, gestured to him, and whispered something to him — a moment that drew widespread debate online.

The incident has since sparked mixed reactions.

Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on the Bureau of Social Services, criticised the First Lady’s gesture, describing it as inappropriate and insisting she should be cautioned.

Similarly, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, condemned the act, calling it “bullying” and alleging that Mrs Tinubu had embarrassed the governor “before a global audience.”

However, others defended the First Lady.

Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, described the exchange as “light-hearted,” saying it had been exaggerated by the public.
A Facebook user, Oyetunji Ayoade, also defended her, arguing that she showed respect by personally approaching the governor.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has issued further comments, even as the incident continues to dominate social media conversations.