Prominent cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has criticised Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, over what he described as her lack of public advocacy for schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Speaking during a public address, Ayodele accused the First Lady of failing to demonstrate compassion and urgency regarding the plight of the victims, who remain in captivity. According to the cleric, Remi Tinubu should have taken a more active role in demanding the release of the kidnapped children, similar to actions he said were taken by former First Lady Patience Jonathan during past national crises.
Ayodele expressed disappointment that while concerns over the abducted pupils and teachers persisted, the First Lady was seen participating in political activities, including the distribution of vehicles to women leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“You did not behave like a mother at all. You never protested or demanded that these Oyo schoolchildren be brought back. Instead, you were busy distributing cars for political campaigns,” the cleric said.
He further warned that public perception of the First Lady’s actions could have political consequences for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of future elections.
Ayodele maintained that his remarks were intended as constructive criticism, insisting that national leaders and their families must show empathy and solidarity during periods of insecurity and public distress.
The comments have added to ongoing public discussions about the government’s handling of kidnapping incidents and the role of public officials in advocating for victims and their families. Neither the First Lady’s office nor the APC had issued an immediate response to the cleric’s remarks at the time of reporting.
