A lively moment turned controversial at the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, when Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, asked Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop singing during his speech.
The event, held in Ile-Ife, celebrated the monarch's milestone and included the installation of Tinubu as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. Guests gathered to honor traditions and achievements. Adeleke took the podium to congratulate Tinubu and the Ooni. He began with an energetic chant and dance, which drew cheers from the audience.
However Tinubu approached Adeleke mid-performance. She whispered instructions and later stated publicly, "Stop singing, give your speech. You have five minutes to wrap up, or I'll switch off the mic." Videos of the exchange quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting widespread discussions.
Public reactions varied sharply. Critics, including veteran journalist Dele Momodu, labeled the interruption as bullying and disrespectful to an elected governor. Momodu described it as "repugnant" in online posts, emphasizing power dynamics. An aide to Adeleke urged restraint from Tinubu, highlighting concerns over protocol.
Supporters defended Tinubu's actions as practical. They argued she aimed to manage time efficiently, especially for guests traveling at night. An aide to a former Osun governor called the moment lighthearted, noting it reflected respect for schedules amid traditional festivities.
This incident underscores ongoing debates about etiquette in public events. It highlights tensions between cultural expressions and formal proceedings in Nigerian society. As videos continue to circulate, Nigerians engage in conversations on leadership styles and interpersonal dynamics.