The grand celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary in Ile-Ife, Osun State, took an unexpected turn on Sunday when Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, intervened to halt Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s lively performance on stage. As dignitaries gathered for the event, which also marked Tinubu’s installation as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua, a viral video captured the moment the First Lady urged the governor to conclude his singing and proceed with his formal address.
Ile-Ife, revered as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, was alive with cultural displays, prayers, and speeches during the anniversary activities that commenced earlier in the week. Oba Ogunwusi ascended the throne on December 7, 2015, bringing a renewed vision to the ancient stool of Oduduwa. His decade-long reign has focused on promoting Yoruba unity, youth empowerment, and global cultural diplomacy, highlighted by initiatives such as a N100 million fund launched for young entrepreneurs in 2020. The climax on Sunday at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, attracted top figures from politics, traditional councils, and beyond, transforming the palace grounds into a focal point of national attention.
The anniversary served not only as a reflection but also a showcase of progress. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Oba Ogunwusi unveiled the Ile-Ife campus of Ojaja University, a private institution he founded to blend academic excellence with cultural renewal. The event drew leaders, diplomats, and youths from across Africa, with speakers praising the monarch’s role in elevating Ile-Ife’s global stature. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who attended, reflected on witnessing the Ooni’s early days, stating, “I am grateful to God that I witnessed the beginning of Ooni Ogunwusi’s reign and that I am here again to celebrate his 10th anniversary.” Other distinguished guests included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, and governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.
Amidst this dignified gathering, Governor Adeleke took the podium to deliver his goodwill message. True to his well-known style often characterized by blending dance and song into public appearances he began with a few steps and broke into a tune praising God and the Ooni. While the crowd initially seemed entertained, the performance began to stretch, prompting Senator Tinubu to approach the stage. “I’m giving you five minutes to finish your speech. The music is enough,” she stated firmly. When Adeleke continued, she returned, adding, “I will turn off the microphone. Stop the music.” The brief exchange, lasting mere seconds, was recorded and quickly proliferated across social media platforms like X, where clips shared by various accounts amassed thousands of views and comments by Monday morning.
The moment highlighted a clash of styles, but for Adeleke, such performances are a trademark. Elected governor in November 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after a fiercely contested race against then-incumbent Gboyega Oyetola, he has cultivated a reputation for merging governance with entertainment. His dancing during official events, including rallies and ceremonies, frequently goes viral, endearing him to supporters while drawing light-hearted critique from opponents. However, the timing of this incident added deeper layers. Just days earlier, on December 2, 2025, the PDP named Adedamola Adebayo as its candidate for the 2026 Osun gubernatorial race—a move that sidelined Adeleke, who had been seeking a second term. This followed Adeleke’s quiet resignation from the PDP on November 4, 2025, citing a “current crisis within the national leadership” in a letter to his ward chairman in Ede North. He thanked the party for his past roles as senator and governor but left his political future open, fueling widespread speculation about a potential party switch ahead of the 2026 elections.
In conferring the Yeye Asiwaju title on Tinubu, the Ooni described her as “the mother of the nation,” recalling her support during the early days of his reign a decade ago. In her acceptance speech, the First Lady expressed profound gratitude, describing the honor as a divine calling and noting it marked her return to major social events since her 50th birthday celebration. She used the platform to rally hope for Nigeria’s future, declaring, “By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity. Other countries will come and borrow money from us. Those wondering how we will do it, we will show them.” Before the interruption, Governor Adeleke had praised Tinubu as a “pillar of national development” and commended the Ooni for redefining leadership in the promotion of peace and Yoruba progress over the past ten years.
The installation and anniversary ceremony masterfully blended tradition with modernity, featuring cultural troupes, a massive ceremonial cake, and prayers from Obasanjo for Tinubu to continue her humanitarian work.
