The Palace, the Song, and the Silence – Why Remi Tinubu Owes Osun an Apology By Henryrich Ojo The 10th anniversary of the Ooni of Ife’s ascension to the throne was meant to be a celebration of culture, unity, and respect for tradition. However, an avoidable moment of tension at the event has
The Palace, the Song, and the Silence – Why Remi Tinubu Owes Osun an Apology
By Henryrich Ojo
The 10th anniversary of the Ooni of Ife’s ascension to the throne was meant to be a celebration of culture, unity, and respect for tradition.
However, an avoidable moment of tension at the event has sparked public debate, a moment involving Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu.
The Calm Before the Storm
Governor Adeleke, known for his lively personality and unique style of public engagement, did exactly what many expected of him at the Ooni’s palace.
As he prepared to deliver his address, true to his familiar approach, he began with songs and brief dance steps before transitioning to his speech, which has become part of his public persona, one that many Nigerians recognize and even admire.
But while he was still in the introductory phase of his presentation, the newly conferred Yeye Oodua, the Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, reportedly walked up to him, signaling him to stop and proceed directly to the speech. The interruption took many by surprise.
In the presence of top traditional rulers, dignitaries, and guests from across the country, the act came as abrupt and dismissive.
She came back a second time and this time, her reaction followed a hand gesture many interpreted as a command, “stop singing and get straight to the point”.
Shock rippled through the hall. Surprise turned into confusion. And confusion quickly turned into embarrassment, not only for the Governor, but for the people whose mandate he carries.
For many Osun citizens and observers, it was not only embarrassing to the governor but also disrespectful to the people he represents.
Whether one agrees with Governor Adeleke’s presentation style or not, a sitting governor deserves courtesy, particularly at a cultural event hosted in his own state.
If the First Lady considered the Governor’s introduction time-wasting or inappropriate for the moment, there were more diplomatic channels available.
She could have instructed one of her aides to quietly communicate with the Governor’s protocol team or ADC. Such an approach would have preserved decorum and avoided public embarrassment.
Leadership comes with not only authority but also emotional intelligence. In this instance, the First Lady’s action fell short of the tact expected from someone of her national standing. A simple gesture of courtesy could have prevented what has now become a national conversation.
And the fact that it happened in Ile-Ife, where kings are crowned and legacies preserved, respect is not a suggestion. It is a command.
This is not about politics. It is not about APC versus PDP. It is about respect, leadership etiquette, and the dignity of office.
In a country already polarized along political divides, moments of mutual respect are essential.
Traditional institutions like the Ooni’s palace are spaces meant for unity, not conflict or public reprimand. Going forward, leaders at all levels must ensure that personal preferences do not overshadow the dignity of others.
The Weight Of Embarrassment
In political circles, embarrassment does not stay with one person. It spreads. Governor Adeleke represents millions of Osun people. He is the face of their aspirations, the custodian of their collective pride, and the leader they chose. When he is embarrassed publicly, the people feel the sting.
Osun citizens, regardless of political affiliation, have voiced disappointment. Many feel their Governor was treated as though he were a subordinate, not a democratically elected leader.
Others feel the First Lady’s gesture showed disregard for Osun’s cultural context, especially given that the event was hosted in Ile-Ife, the spiritual heartland of the Yorubas.
Why Apology Matters
An apology does not diminish power, it elevates it. It shows maturity, integrity, and a willingness to correct a misstep.
Senator Remi Tinubu owes no ordinary apology; she owes a symbolic one to Governor Adeleke as an individual and to the people of Osun State as a collective.
Such an apology would not weaken the presidency; it would strengthen it. It would show that Nigeria’s leaders, regardless of political camps, respect each other’s dignity.
It would reaffirm that traditional institutions deserve sanctity, not political drama. It would demonstrate that even in moments of misunderstanding, humility can prevail. Only a few gestures heal public wounds, and this is one of them.
Nigeria is a country rich in culture but tense in politics. At delicate moments like this, leaders must be intentional about actions that promote harmony. Public rebukes, however small they may seem to the actor, often echo loudly among the people.
Governor Adeleke’s singing was not a crime, nor was it an act of disrespect. It was his style, one known, loved, and embraced by many.
Interrupting him in that manner was avoidable, unwise, and disrespectful.
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *