Media entrepreneur and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has weighed in on reports of a tense exchange between Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Momodu said he received a frantic call from a team member in Ile-Ife on Monday, informing him that the First Lady had allegedly “insulted” Governor Adeleke during a public event.
Momodu, who also recounted a personal encounter with Mrs. Tinubu in the past, described the latest incident as “totally beneath her,” insisting that the office of the First Lady carries no constitutional authority to publicly reprimand an elected governor.
According to him, the alleged incident amounted to the “public humiliation” of Governor Adeleke before a global audience. He argued that such conduct was inappropriate, especially given that the First Lady is not an elected public official.
Momodu also expressed surprise that a “self-professed pastor” would reportedly object to a governor praising God before making a speech, adding that the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where Mrs. Tinubu worships, should be concerned about such behaviour.
The PDP chieftain further questioned whether the First Lady would have reacted in the same manner if a Northern governor had recited verses from the Qur’an before speaking. He accused her of acting as though “her family owns Nigeria,” a mindset he described as dangerous in a democratic system.
Momodu, however, commended Governor Adeleke for maintaining his composure, describing the Osun leader as “a perfect gentleman” who handled the situation with restraint.
He concluded by blaming what he called “squeamish Nigerians” who, in his view, have become “voluntary slaves” by failing to challenge political excesses and abuses of power.
