IFE, Nigeria — A brief exchange between Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has sparked widespread discussion across social media after a video of the moment went viral.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 7, 2025, as Adeleke mounted the podium to deliver a goodwill message at the celebration held in honour of the monarch.
The governor was also expected to formally congratulate Tinubu on her newly conferred traditional title, Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
Instead of proceeding straight into his prepared remarks, Adeleke, widely known for his energetic and musical public persona, broke into a brief chant, prompting laughter from sections of the audience.
The lighthearted moment, however, was quickly checked by Tinubu, who had only moments earlier received her chieftaincy title from the Ooni.
According to footage circulating online, Tinubu walked towards the podium, made a subtle hand gesture to the governor and whispered for him to proceed.
“Go ahead,” she was heard saying.
As she returned to her seat, Adeleke resumed singing, drawing her back to the podium a second time.
This time, her intervention was more direct.
“Enough with the music, or I’ll switch off the microphone,” she told the governor, adding that he had “five minutes to conclude” his remarks.
TRENDING VIDEO: ‘I give you 5 minutes to conclude your speech. Enough with the music, or I’ll switch off the microphone’ — Remi Tinubu interrupts Governor Adeleke’s singing during her installation as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a pic.twitter.com/OewFFqvXXS
— TheCable (@thecableng) December 8, 2025
Her comments triggered a ripple of laughter and murmurs across the venue, with many in attendance appearing surprised by the firmness of the intervention in the midst of what had begun as a playful moment.
Adeleke then proceeded to deliver his speech, returning to a more formal tone after the exchange.
The Osun governor has built a public reputation around his affectionate engagement with music and dance, often incorporating spontaneous performances into official appearances.
Supporters frequently describe his style as a refreshing departure from stiff political norms, while critics question its appropriateness in certain formal settings.
The coronation anniversary itself marked a decade since Ogunwusi ascended the ancient throne of Ife, one of the most revered traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
The event drew a high-profile audience of political leaders, traditional rulers and dignitaries from across the country.
The moment between Tinubu and Adeleke quickly spread beyond the ceremony, gaining traction on multiple social media platforms within hours.
Nigerians offered differing interpretations of the exchange. Some described it as a harmless and humorous interaction that added levity to the occasion.
Others viewed it as a pointed reminder of protocol and decorum at a royal event of such significance.
Several commentators argued that royal ceremonies demand strict adherence to tradition and formal conduct, while others countered that the exchange reflected the ease and familiarity among Nigeria’s political elite in cultural spaces.
Neither Adeleke nor the First Lady’s office has issued a formal statement regarding the viral clip beyond what was captured in the video itself.
