Dele Momodu, veteran Nigerian journalist and publisher, has said that the recent public clash between First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was driven by political tensions linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Momodu described what he called an “entitlement mentality” within the APC, which he said assumes that all governors should align with the ruling party.
According to Momodu, the First Lady’s displeasure, captured in a viral video from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, stemmed from Governor Adeleke’s refusal to defect to the APC.
He said the party’s leadership is focused on consolidating power by drawing all state governors into its fold, adding that those who resist are often viewed as adversaries.
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Momodu also criticised the manner in which Governor Adeleke was interrupted while addressing guests at the event. He said the public approach taken by Mrs. Tinubu, who walked up to the podium and whispered to the governor, was unnecessary and embarrassing for a sitting governor in his own state.
He argued that if there was a need to hasten the programme, it could have been handled through more discreet means.
Momodu further noted that the controversy escalated due to attempts to manage public perception after the incident, adding that an early acknowledgement of error would have helped to calm public reaction.