Describes Her Conduct as “Disgraceful and Unconstitutional”
By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews|December 9, 2025
Media entrepreneur and publisher, Dele Momodu, has condemned Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over a viral video in which she was alleged to have publicly insulted Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during an event in Ile-Ife.
Momodu, reacting in a strongly worded statement on his Twitter handle, described the conduct of the First Lady as “totally beneath her,” recalling that he was once a victim of her outbursts before the Tinubu family attained national power.
According to him, a member of the OVATION Media Group had called from Ile-Ife to inform him of the incident, prompting his disappointment. He recounted a similar encounter at the funeral of Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson in Lagos, where Mrs. Tinubu openly confronted him for not supporting her husband politically.
Momodu said the latest incident was yet another example of what he described as disrespectful and unconstitutional behaviour.
He listed several reasons why he found Mrs. Tinubu’s action unacceptable:
- No constitutional authority to scold an elected governor
Momodu stressed that the role of First Lady does not exist in the Nigerian Constitution, and therefore Mrs. Tinubu has no legal or moral authority to berate a sitting governor publicly. He added that openly embarrassing the Chief Executive of Osun State in the presence of his wife and an international audience “was repugnant, uncalled for, and excessively condescending.”
- Her reaction contradicts her identity as a pastor
He expressed shock that a self-professed pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God would allegedly frown at Governor Adeleke praising God before delivering his remarks. According to him, such conduct is deeply contradictory and embarrassing to her religious institution.
- Claims she would not treat Northern governors same way
Momodu questioned whether the First Lady would dare interfere or interrupt a Northern governor reciting the Holy Qur’an before a speech. He argued that the political and cultural implications would have prevented her from attempting such conduct elsewhere.
- Accuses her of behaving as though Nigeria is family property
The Ovation publisher criticized what he described as the First Lady’s growing sense of entitlement, alleging that she behaves as though the country “belongs to her family,” allowing her to publicly confront, scold, or intimidate political leaders without restraint.
- Adeleke praised for his calmness and maturity
Referencing public reactions, Momodu noted that many Nigerians believe Mrs. Tinubu was fortunate that Governor Adeleke handled the situation with grace. According to him, Adeleke’s calm response prevented the incident from escalating into what could have become a national embarrassment.
In his concluding remarks, Momodu said his criticism was not solely directed at the First Lady. He argued that the broader Nigerian society is also culpable for enabling such behaviour by remaining silent and fearful in the face of political excesses.
He described Nigerians who tolerate such incidents as “voluntary slaves,” accusing them of surrendering their rights and dignity in exchange for proximity to power.
Momodu said it was time for citizens to speak up against intimidation from any quarters, insisting that the health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on holding leaders—and their families—accountable for their actions.
