Human rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has said it was wrong and “treasonable” for Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, to tell Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to turn off his microphone during an event in Ile-Ife.
Idam said it is unacceptable for the president’s wife to give orders to a state governor, especially in his own state.
In a statement he signed, Idam reminded the public that the Office of the First Lady is not recognised by Nigerian law and has no official powers.
The incident happened in Ile-Ife on Sunday during Remi Tinubu’s installation as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. A viral video showed Governor Adeleke singing worship songs while giving his speech, and the First Lady threatened to switch off his mic if he didn’t stop.
Responding to this, Idam said:
“Yesterday, the Governor of Osun State was publicly bullied off the stage in his own state by the wife of the President. Many Nigerians don’t see it as a big deal, probably because it isn’t a trending scandal like leaked videos or social media drama.
“But the truth is that it is wrong—maybe even treasonable—for a non-state actor like the First Lady to issue commands to an elected governor. It shows an abuse of influence and should be condemned.”
He added:
“The Office of the First Lady is not recognised by the Constitution or any Nigerian law. It has no official powers, cannot issue orders, cannot represent the government, and cannot make pronouncements against elected public officials—not even a local councillor, who legally has more official authority.”
Idam stressed that the presidency is not a family title and cannot be transferred through marriage.
He concluded that the First Lady’s behaviour towards Governor Adeleke was unacceptable in a democratic system and must be condemned so that Nigeria does not become a place where relatives of public officials act as if they hold offic
