On Sunday, December 7th, the House of Oduduwa witnessed a truly momentous occasion as His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, celebrated the remarkable 10th anniversary of his coronation. This significant milestone was marked by an extravagant display of cultural richness and tradition, bringing together a host of esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Oluremi Tinubu CON. During the celebration, she was honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo ile Oodua,’ a recognition reflective of her deep commitment to the Yoruba heritage and her contributions to the community.

Arriving at the palace via helicopter on a Sunday, typically a day when many engage in religious observances, raised some eyebrows. However, the First Lady’s profound respect for the Ooni and her dedication to promoting Yoruba culture underscored her decision to attend the event, despite her demanding schedule. Upon her arrival, she promptly communicated her wish for the ceremony to be concise, aiming to return to Abuja before nightfall, a consideration driven by the constraints of helicopter flight schedules in Nigeria.

As I scrolled through social media that evening, I was taken aback by the torrent of negative comments directed at the First Lady. It compelled me to share my observations as someone present at the event, seated on stage where the interactions unfolded. The media’s portrayal of the incident seemed to distort the actual events, casting a shadow over what transpired. Contrary to the hostile interpretations circulating online, the interaction between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the First Lady was a wholesome and light-hearted exchange indicative of a longstanding friendship. Their rapport can be traced back to their shared experiences as distinguished colleagues in the 8th Senate, a bond that was evident when they greeted each other with warmth and laughter, as if they were old friends reuniting after a long time apart.

The atmosphere was charged with joy and camaraderie, evident in both their body language and the playful banter that ensued. Many of us in attendance, including Governor Adeleke himself, found their interaction genuinely amusing, culminating in shared laughter that made the occasion even more enjoyable.

It’s essential to highlight that Governor Adeleke was unaware of the First Lady’s helicopter schedule and initially believed she intended to remain in Ife to embrace the full celebration. In true Adeleke fashion, he infused humour into the moment, serenading via songs and dancing as he often does. The First Lady, in turn, humorously reminded him to adhere to his speech and keep an eye on the time, a playful nudge amidst the festivities.

Despite the unflattering online reactions aiming to skew perceptions and tarnish her image, the reality is that their interaction was far from a power struggle. Instead, it was a touching display of two old friends reconnecting and enjoying a moment of shared joy.

I wish to address those who continue to perpetuate misinformation and misinterpretation concerning our beloved First Lady. She is often a misunderstood figure, rather she should be characterised by her sweetness, endearing nature, and warmth. It is both unfair and unfounded to propagate narratives that overlook the genuine friendship and mutual respect shared between two individuals simply enjoying a moment of friendly banter. The essence of their encounter deserves recognition, reminding us of the bonds that transcend politics and social expectations.

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Despite the pervasive insecurity around the country, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa has affirmed that with the support of all Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would get it right with his concerted reengineering of the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking at the APC Stakeholders and Progressives Governors Forum meeting held Saturday, December 6, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Obasa said he did not doubt that President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government, would do all that they can to ensure that they secure the life and property of every Nigerian.

According to Obasa, “We have seen the president in action and how he is innovating and working hard to resolve our many challenges especially insecurity and we believe he will get it done. He’s still the man that can do it. That is why we must do everything within our powers to ensure that he is returned in 2027.”

Speaker Obasa teed off with robust commendations for the governors for their shared dedication and commitment to helping President Tinubu resolve Nigeria’s insecurity problem.

He urged them to galvanise their people when they return to their various states to be a part of the solution to Nigeria’s security challenge, and not stay aloof.

Speaker Obasa added that security is not just about the governors, “It is about everybody. We must all be involved in fighting this problem. We must give the President all the support that we can so that he will succeed in his attempts to redirect the trajectory of Nigeria.”

The PGF had converged on Lagos between December 5 and 6 for a meeting convened by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, and hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

In a communique read by Governor Uzodinma, the governors passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu’s administration, and pledged support for his Renewed Hope Agenda and re-election in 2027.

The Forum, according to Governor Uzodinma, reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state, and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers. They also resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the states.

Governor Uzodinma said that their two-day engagement provided an opportunity to review the nation’s current trajectory, deepen coordination among the governors, and reaffirm their firm support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The PGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to stabilizing the economy, strengthening national security, and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.