The All Progressives Congress, APC, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following her public intervention during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s speech at her coronation ceremony as Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua in Ile-Ife on Sunday.
During the event, Mrs Tinubu reportedly threatened to turn off the microphone as the governor sang, prompting widespread reactions.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo, the party reaffirmed its support for Mrs Tinubu, describing her actions as measured, patriotic, and well-intentioned.
The statement emphasised that Governor Adeleke should have conducted himself more appropriately at such a culturally significant gathering.
“The Lagos State chapter of the APC stands firmly behind First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her timely counsel to Governor Ademola Adeleke, urging him to prioritize governance over public performances. Her intervention, delivered at an event hosted by the revered Ooni of Ife, was neither demeaning nor condescending. It was rooted in statesmanship, motherly wisdom, and a genuine concern for the dignity of public office,” the statement read.
The party further stressed that public office demands focus, discipline, and commitment, noting that entertainment should never overshadow the responsibilities of leadership.
“Governance is a sacred mandate entrusted by the people. While culture and self-expression are important, they must not eclipse the essential duties of leadership,” the statement added.
According to the APC, Governor Adeleke’s frequent public performances have overshadowed the pressing challenges facing Osun State, including economic development, healthcare, education, youth employment, and infrastructure.
The party urged that leaders be measured by performance and policy outcomes rather than applause or entertainment.
The statement also cautioned against framing Mrs Tinubu’s advice as an attack, labeling such claims as “disingenuous and misleading.”
The party described her counsel as a patriotic reminder meant to preserve the sanctity of the governor’s office and uphold the expectations of the people of Osun State.
“History is unkind to leaders who mistake popularity and entertainment for competence and effective governance,” the APC added.
NAN