A fresh wave of controversy has erupted following a strong and emotional statement by popular cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, directed at Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking in a video that has since generated conversations across social media, Primate Ayodele did not hold back as he openly criticized the First Lady over what he described as her silence regarding the plight of school children from Oyo State who were reportedly victims of a tragic incident.
In his exact words, the cleric said:
“Remi Tinubu, you did not behave like a mother at all. You should have done what Jonathan’s wife did. You never protested and demanded that these Oyo school children be brought back. Instead, you were busy distributing cars for political campaigns. I will tell you the truth.”
The statement has quickly become a talking point among Nigerians, with many debating whether the First Lady should have taken a more visible stance on the matter.
Primate Ayodele’s reference to former First Lady Patience Jonathan appears to draw a comparison between past and present responses to national tragedies involving children. During the height of the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, the issue received significant attention from government officials, civil society groups, and international organizations, making it one of the most discussed humanitarian crises in Nigeria’s recent history.
For Primate Ayodele, the role of a First Lady extends beyond ceremonial appearances and political engagements. His remarks suggest that he believes mothers in positions of influence have a moral responsibility to speak up loudly when children are in danger or facing hardship.
The criticism has triggered mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians agree with the cleric’s position and insist that public figures must be more vocal during moments of national pain, others argue that many interventions by government officials happen behind the scenes and may not always be visible to the public.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, Primate Ayodele’s comments have once again reignited conversations about leadership, empathy, and the expectations Nigerians place on those who occupy influential positions in government.
As the video continues to circulate, many will be watching to see whether the First Lady or her representatives respond to the remarks, or whether the debate will further fuel broader discussions about accountability and public service in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply