A remark made by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Patience, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, at her chieftaincy installation as “Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua” in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday has drawn criticism.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Mrs. Tinubu addressed the former First Lady, who was seated among the guests, as she acknowledged dignitaries during her acceptance speech.
Oluremi Tinubu, dressed in white ceremonial garb, interrupted her pleasantries to speak directly to Mrs. Jonathan. This move swiftly caused Nigerians on X (previously Twitter) to express disgust.
The First Lady stated, “Your Eminence, the Sultan and all the other Obas,” in the widely shared video. Thank you so much, Mama P. Will you not smile? I’m saying hello to you, Mama P. I sincerely appreciate your presence.
“But I said I wanted to greet our royal fathers who have come to honor Ooni and, by extension, me; everybody said I should just leave protocols,” she remarked, thanking the traditional elders as she wrapped up her greetings. The Oloris are now able to take a seat. I am grateful to the royal fathers who traveled great distances and
close, and there’s even a representation from my mother’s side. I’m grateful to everyone. I am happy and honored that there aren’t many lengthy speeches today.
Netizens viewed the exchange as inappropriately casual or as lighthearted banter that was unsuitable for the installation ceremony’s solemnity.
“Her status may appear to have changed, but her innate mannerism remains as uncouth and as classless as it has always been,” responded Tochukwu, a member on X.
“This woman is uncouth,” commented Wendu, another user on X. Although she wouldn’t normally qualify as an elite, she is perhaps one of the more “refined” characters in APC.
“Oh, I’m not disappointed,” he went on. This is how she was before she was appointed first lady. Thus, it is not unexpected. The fact that she has spent a significant portion of this term in the background makes it more striking. There are wealthy people in Nigeria, but there aren’t many elites. Nothing sets them apart from the typical Nigerian, other from their wealth.
One Tobi posted on Facebook, “Having this family as a figure is the worst thing to ever happen to this nation.”
“You called the King of your mother’s Nation as the representative?” wrote a user going by the handle Mesiri. Did you fail to give him the customary salute? embarrassing.
“I wonder what about her did the Redeemed Church find appealing enough to choose her as a pastor? Is it simply her wealth or her spiritual life? Another X user, Robustlife, stated, “I am starting to look at some churches differently.”
Conversely, a member on X going by the handle Kelez remarked, “We must not make issues out of nothing because she’s Tinubu.” The way it came out may be crass, but the goal should be the most essential thing and not necessarily an insult, in my opinion. This is just a nice and informal conversation to let Mama Peace relax or grin.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
