Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has revealed details of an encounter he had with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu shortly before the 2023 presidential election.

Momodu, who at the time was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a staunch supporter of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said in a recent social media post that Remi Tinubu questioned his loyalty for not campaigning for her husband, then–candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His comments come in the wake of a now-viral exchange between the First Lady and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Background to the Viral Incident

A video widely circulated online shows Remi Tinubu cautioning Governor Adeleke for singing during his remarks at the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The incident occurred on Sunday when Adeleke took the stage to honour the monarch and congratulate the First Lady on her new chieftaincy title, Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. Known for his lively public appearances, the governor broke into a brief chant, prompting a reaction from the First Lady and mixed reactions online.

Momodu Shares His Experience

Reacting to the controversy, Momodu narrated a similar encounter he once had with Remi Tinubu at the funeral of Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson, held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to him, the First Lady confronted him unexpectedly.

“Good morning Ma,” he said he greeted respectfully.

“Bob Dee, you mean you won’t campaign for my husband?” she allegedly asked.

Momodu said he replied: “I can’t, Ma. I’m in a different party.”

He claimed the First Lady became upset, but he chose not to escalate the matter out of respect for “Uncle Bola.”

Momodu Faults First Lady’s Conduct

Momodu faulted the First Lady’s conduct, arguing that her public reprimand of Governor Adeleke was inappropriate, constitutionally unfounded, suggestive of entitlement, inconsistent with how she might treat northern leaders, and only diffused by the governor’s calm response.

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