Governor Adeleke and First Lady Tinubu’s Encounter: The Honest Truth – Princess Toyin Kolade

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.

*NUJ OGUN ELECTIONS UNDER ATTACK: NATIONAL SECRETARY CAUGHT IN BRAZEN COLLUSION TO IMPOSE ILLEGAL CANDIDATES*

The shameful drama unfolding in the build-up to the NUJ Ogun State Council elections has exposed a grand conspiracy masterminded by the National Secretary, to hijack the will of Ogun journalists, trample on the NUJ Constitution, and force an illegitimate leadership on our Council.

Mr. Chude Achike, a supposed human rights activist was employed as the national secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists by former NUJ president, Mr. Chris Isiguso during his second term.

What we are witnessing is *not an election process* — it is *a coordinated assault on democracy,* and we will not keep quiet.

*1. A Credentials Committee Built to Fail — and Built for Fraud*

The so-called Credentials Committee is a *constitutional disaster.*

It is lead by unqualified member who has no business being there,* *Abiodun Taiwo,* publisher of *Salient Times*, a man *publicly disclaimed by Daily Times* yet handpicked to preside over our elections.

This is not incompetence.

This is *a deliberate setup,* a committee created to do a dirty job.

*2. A Screening Exercise Designed to Favour the Anointed Candidates*

Under the watchful eyes of the National Secretary, the screening exercise became a *factory for fraud.*

The incumbent camp, Mr. Akinwale Olanrewaju-led executive committee — his preferred candidates — were cleared *even though they broke every rule in the NUJ Constitution,* including:

* Failure to meet *50% chapel Congress attendance*

* Being nominated by *unqualified persons*

* Being associate members *who should not “vote and be voted for”

* Members without good financial standing

* Even including a constitutionally *disqualified person who should not be a member at all*

Yet, genuine, bona fide members — with valid and good financial standing and nominations from fully qualified chapel members — were *shamelessly disqualified.*

This was not screening.

It was *targeted elimination.*

*3. Illegal Election Date Change: A Desperate Grab for Power*

As if the fraud was not enough, the National Secretary, Chude Achike recklessly moved the election date from *22nd December 2025* to *11th December 2025,* without Congress approval, without consultation, and without one atom of constitutional backing.

This is *lawlessness of the highest order* — a desperate attempt to ambush Ogun journalists and hand the election to his preferred camp on a platter of illegality.

*4. Constitution Torn to Shreds*

Every one of the nominators for his favoured candidate violates:

* *Article 3:3(a, b & d)*

* *Article 4*

* *Article 6:7(f)*

Yet these same candidates were miraculously cleared, while those who met every requirement were thrown out.

This is open contempt for the NUJ Constitution.

The over bloated membership lists that violates the NUJ constitution are those with qualified and non qualified members expressly ratified by the national secretary there by jettisoned the 2022 delegates list in the possession of the incumbent vice president of B zone

*WE WILL NOT ALLOW NUJ OGUN TO BE TURNED INTO A PRIVATE ESTATE*

This reckless manipulation will not stand.

This assault on our union will not pass.

And this brazen conspiracy will not go unchallenged.

*OUR POSITION IS CLEAR:*

* Reverse the illegal disqualifications.

* Dissolve the tainted Credentials Committee.

* Restore the rightful *22nd December* election date.

* Conduct a fresh, transparent screening under neutral officers.

Anything short of this is an endorsement of fraud — and we will resist it with every lawful tool available.

Ogun journalists refuse to be conquered.

The NUJ Constitution must rise above the ambitions of one man.

Signed.

Comrade Razaq Ayinla

Comrade Folake Ade-Adeniji

Comrade Kunle Ibikunle

Comrade Seun Odunlami

Comrade Abiodun Ogundipe

Comrade Wole Shokunbi

Comrade Sola Ajibike

Comrade Adejoke Adeleye

Comrade Omobolaji Adekunkle

Comrade Gbenga Oladipupo

‘Excessive’ Security For Seyi Tinubu: How It Is Understood
*by Folorunsho Tahir Hamsat

The appropriateness or otherwise of security protection for a president’s family can be a subject of public debate. This debate is centred on the complex challenge of ensuring the safety of people connected to the presidency while being mindful of public accountability and the effective use of government resources.

This writer will focus solely on the provision of security for the president’s family, as understood, in layman’s terms.

Recently at a public function, President Tinubu’s son, Seyi’s ‘excessive’ security escort was criticized by Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. The respected leader had argued that such resources were needed elsewhere.

From my study, it is standard international practice for a country’s president’s immediate family, including the children, to receive significant security protection. This is due to the high profile of the president and the potential national security risks that could arise from threats and various forms of harm to the president’s family members.

Nigeria is currently confronted by multiple security challenges like kidnapping and banditry, with the primary threat coming from the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram. On that score, threatening or harming a president’s son, daughter or wife could be used to blackmail the president and compromise his ability to perform state duties, thereby creating a national crisis. Thus, the goal of ‘excessively’ protecting the president’s family is to ensure the stability and continuity of the president’s function and, by extension, the nation, by mitigating high-level threats to the First Family.

I am not familiar with the local laws on the protection of private individuals; but, based on my research, in developed countries whose model of democracy Nigeria especially practices, such as the US, the provision of security by agencies like the DSS to the president’s immediate family is a federal law, not a discretionary choice.

The president’s family members often attend public schools or travel, requiring extensive, pre-planned security measures and advance team to ensure their safety in such environments. Even the US law specifies that children of former presidents receive protection until they are 16 years old, unless declined.

In other climes, a sitting president can issue an executive order to extend protection to members of his family, including individuals not automatically covered by law.

I will support this argument with two empirical evidence. Just before departing the White House finally in January 2025 after the expiration of his constitutional two terms as president of the United States, Joe Biden extended protection for his adult children through the next seven months via an executive order. That presidential order was critiqued by his successor, Donald Trump, and subsequently revoked by him. However, Trump himself did the same for his four adult children and two of their spouses before his first term ended in 2021, when they were given six months additional protection beyond their stay in the government house.

Thus, my interpretation of this subject is that, if it’s not unusual for a president before he leaves office to authorize an extended period of protection for their immediate family members, giving them a full time protection while holding the power is justified and not inappropriate.

-Tahir Hamsat is a Lagos based journalist. He can be reached via 08051000485