Dayo Fashola, aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the widely discussed incident involving Governor Ademola Adeleke at the coronation anniversary of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in Ile-Ife.
According to Fashola, the exchange between Tinubu and Adeleke was never intended to be disparaging but rather to ensure the event concluded on time so attendees could return safely to their homes.
Speaking on her verified Facebook handle, Fashola noted that numerous dignitaries at the event, including over 29 wives of various state governors, needed to travel back, many coming from as far as the North.
She stated that, with time running short and visibility worsening in the evening, Tinubu’s call for promptness was sensible and necessary.
Fashola said the First Lady’s apparent agitation stemmed from a concern for the safety and orderly departure of guests.
She wrote, “The exchange between Governor Adeleke and Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON was not meant to disparage the Governor but to ensure a judicious use of time.
“Her Excellency’s seeming agitation stemmed from concern for the early departure of the over 29 wives of various state governors who were present, along with other dignitaries, all waiting for the program to end so they could be conveyed back to their respective states. Note that many of the guests came from the far‑north.
“With time running short and visibility becoming poor toward evening, she had to remind the Governor once again to be time‑conscious. It was light‑hearted and isn’t as serious as people are making it seem.
“Even Her Excellency craved the indulgence of all her distinguished guests to skip protocol while delivering her own speech, as many needed to return to their destinations in good time.
“Keeping in mind that helicopter visibility at night is near zero.Congratulations once again to our Yeye Asiwaju of the entire Oodua land and territories.”
