Why Remi Tinubu is angry at Adeleke — Dele Momodu

Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, attributing her displeasure to political differences.

Momodu, in an interview with Nigerian Tribune said the incident has continued to generate reactions because it was poorly managed from the outset, noting that a simple acknowledgement of error would have quickly defused the situation. 

He argued that attempts to manage public perception after the fact only deepened the controversy, especially as the episode played out publicly during an event in Osun State.

According to him, the viral video shows that Governor Adeleke was interrupted mid-speech, leaving him briefly unsettled by an unexpected intrusion. 

He maintained that if there was a need to hasten proceedings, discreet channels could have been used rather than a direct interruption, which he described as avoidable and embarrassing for a sitting governor in his own state.

Momodu further suggested that beyond the incident itself, political undercurrents were at play. 

He claimed the First Lady’s anger stemmed largely from Governor Adeleke’s refusal to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the ruling party often expects governors across the country to align with it. 

He said, “However, I know the reason she is angry, because she used to enjoy his singing and music when they used to dance together in Osogbo and all that. I have video evidence of that. She is angry because the governor refused to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). You know, APC has this entitlement syndrome afflicting it. APC believes that every governor should be in APC. 

“The only thing that will give them joy and comfort is for every governor in Nigeria whether from the North, or from the East or from the West – wherever – should join APC. Then Tinubu can become an emperor in word and indeed. That is what they seek to do. They succeeded in Lagos and they wish to succeed at the national level. That is what is going on. Anybody who does not join them is considered an enemy.”

In the viral clip from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, 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.

In response to the backlash, Mrs Tinubu later dismissed the reactions, describing them as an unnecessary distraction and urging the public to focus on governance rather than magnifying minor issues.