Publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Dele Momodu, has weighed in on the public altercation between Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke — recalling his own past encounter with her fiery temperament.
Momodu, a veteran journalist and media entrepreneur, shared his reaction in a Facebook post after a member of his Ovation Media Group alerted him to the incident in Ile-Ife.
According to him, he was not shocked to hear that the First Lady openly scolded Governor Adeleke during the event, noting that he had once been on the receiving end of her anger.
He narrated an episode that occurred at the funeral of Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson inside the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, Ikeja, Lagos.
Momodu said he had greeted Mrs. Tinubu respectfully when she suddenly confronted him over his refusal to campaign for her husband during the 2023 presidential election.
The media executive said he calmly explained that he belonged to another political party, but the then senator remained visibly upset.
Momodu described Mrs. Tinubu’s latest outburst toward Adeleke as “totally beneath her office”, arguing that the First Lady holds no constitutional authority to publicly reprimand an elected governor — especially before a global audience that included his wife.
He added that the conduct was even more troubling given her status as a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
He questioned why a self-professed pastor would frown at a governor praising God at a public event, saying the church “should be embarrassed” by the episode.
Momodu further argued that such behaviour would never be directed at a northern governor reciting verses from the Qur’an, and accused the First Lady of acting as though the country were the personal estate of her family.
He concluded by noting that Mrs. Tinubu was fortunate Adeleke remained calm, calling the governor “a perfect gentleman who chose restraint over retaliation.”
Dele Momodu, born in Ile-Ife, is one of Africa’s most prominent media figures. As CEO and Publisher of Ovation International, he has built a globally recognised brand that chronicles African achievers and high-profile events.
A former presidential candidate and influential political commentator, Momodu is known for his fearless opinions and longstanding advocacy on national issues.
