The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to the defense of Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of Bola Tinubu, after she intervened during a speech by Governor Ademola Adeleke at her coronation ceremony as Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua in Ile-Ife. The event, which took place on Sunday, saw Mrs. Tinubu reportedly threatening to turn off the microphone as the governor sang, prompting a range of reactions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Lagos APC chapter reaffirmed its support for Mrs. Tinubu, describing her actions as measured and patriotic. The party emphasized that Governor Adeleke should have conducted himself more appropriately at the culturally significant gathering. According to the statement, Mrs. Tinubu’s intervention was “rooted in statesmanship, motherly wisdom, and a genuine concern for the dignity of public office.”
The APC stressed that public office demands focus, discipline, and commitment, and that entertainment should not overshadow the responsibilities of leadership. The party noted that Governor Adeleke’s frequent public performances have drawn attention away from pressing challenges facing Osun State, including economic development, healthcare, and education.
The APC urged that leaders be judged on their performance and policy outcomes, rather than their ability to entertain. The party also cautioned against framing Mrs. Tinubu’s advice as an attack, describing such claims as “disingenuous and misleading.” Instead, the APC characterized her counsel as a patriotic reminder to preserve the sanctity of the governor’s office and uphold the expectations of the people of Osun State.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the role of leaders in governance and the importance of prioritizing policy outcomes over public performances. As the APC noted, “history is unkind to leaders who mistake popularity and entertainment for competence and effective governance.” The party’s defense of Mrs. Tinubu highlights the ongoing debate about the responsibilities of public office and the need for leaders to remain focused on the challenges facing their communities.