…doubts President’s re-election
Kehinde Jacobs
LAGOS — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, is facing sharp criticism from renowned cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele over her decision to distribute vehicles to APC women leaders while schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State remain in captivity.
In a statement released from his church, Primate Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, accused Mrs. Tinubu of prioritizing political mobilization over humanitarian concern. The comments have since sparked debate online about the optics of government outreach during ongoing security crises.
“Remi Tinubu, you did not behave like a mother at all. You can’t even pretend; what you did is very bad,” Primate Ayodele said in the statement. He argued that the First Lady’s office carries a moral responsibility to speak up for vulnerable citizens, especially children.
The cleric drew a comparison with former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, referencing her public advocacy during the 2014 Chibok abductions. “You should have done what Jonathan’s wife did. You never protested or demanded that these Oyo schoolchildren be brought back” he said.
Primate Ayodele’s remarks center on reports that Mrs. Tinubu recently distributed vehicles to APC women leaders as part of party mobilization ahead of future elections. The cleric described the timing as insensitive given the unresolved case of kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
“Instead, you were busy distributing cars for political campaigns,” he stressed, “I will tell you the truth.”
According to reports from Oyo State in recent months, several schoolchildren and teachers were abducted, heightening concerns among parents and education stakeholders. Families have repeatedly called for government intervention and faster rescue efforts. While security agencies have launched operations, many of the victims remain unaccounted for.
Primate Ayodele warned that public perception of such gestures could have electoral consequences for the ruling party. “If you are not careful, your husband might lose the election because of your actions,” he said, referring to President Bola Tinubu. The cleric suggested that voters, especially mothers and guardians affected by insecurity, may view the vehicle distribution as tone-deaf.
The First Lady’s office has not yet issued an official response to Primate Ayodele’s criticism as of press time. Mrs. Tinubu has, in other engagements, spoken on education and child welfare through the Renewed Hope Initiative, her pet project focused on women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Political analysts note that First Ladies in Nigeria often face scrutiny over balancing advocacy with party activities. Supporters of Mrs. Tinubu argue that mobilizing women leaders is a legitimate part of democratic engagement and that the presidency is actively working through security channels to address kidnapping.
However, Primate Ayodele insisted that symbolism matters during crises. “I know you don’t like me, but I will tell you the truth,” he added in his message to the First Lady, signaling that his comments were not driven by personal animosity but by concern for governance and public trust.
The Oyo kidnap case remains a sore point nationally, with advocacy groups urging all levels of government to keep victims’ families at the center of response efforts. Security experts say rescue operations are complex and require discretion, but public officials are also expected to maintain visible empathy.
The exchange highlights a broader tension in Nigerian politics: how leaders communicate compassion while managing party duties. For many citizens, the expectation is that the office of the First Lady should amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves.
As at press time, parents of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren continue to demand updates from authorities. Whether Primate Ayodele’s warning will prompt a shift in approach from the First Lady’s office remains to be seen.
