The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Tuesday defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu after her gentle warning to Osun governor Ademola Adeleke drew heavy online criticism.
Mrs. Tinubu quietly told Governor Adeleke at an event hosted by the Ooni of Ife that he should focus on governing rather than frequent public performances.
A short video of the moment went viral and prompted mixed reactions on social media, with some saying the First Lady overstepped protocol.
In a statement, Lagos APC called the First Lady’s words “well-intentioned, measured and patriotic,” saying she offered “a timely reminder” about the duty of public office and that her remarks were not meant to offend.
The party urged people to see the comment as advice about leadership, not a personal attack.
Critics said the episode showed a breach of protocol and asked whether a First Lady should publicly correct a sitting governor.
The comments from the First Lady elicited reactions from many Nigerians online, after the video went viral. Many stated that she holds no formal constitutional power, and some even demanded she apologise to Gov. Adeleke.
The timing is sensitive because Governor Adeleke recently left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the Accord Party, a move that has stirred political debate in Osun.
That shift has already put his public actions under closer scrutiny.
