In a display of poise and diplomacy that has captivated the nation, Titilola Adeleke, wife of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has publicly congratulated Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her prestigious new chieftaincy title, mere hours after a widely circulated video showed an awkward exchange between Mrs. Tinubu and the governor at a high-profile royal event. The heartfelt message, laced with the respectful phrase “I give you 5 mins” in a nod to the viral moment, has been hailed as an “unexpected” act of elegance, diffusing tension and underscoring the power of maturity in public life.
The incident unfolded on December 8, 2025, during the grand 10th coronation anniversary celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), at the Enuwa Palace in Ile-Ife. The event, attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria, marked the conferment of the illustrious title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua (Mother Leader of Yoruba Land) upon Senator Tinubu, recognizing her lifelong advocacy for women, education, and community development. As Governor Adeleke ascended the podium to deliver his goodwill message—a customary address infused with his signature blend of dance and song—Mrs. Tinubu, concerned about the event's tight schedule, approached him with a whispered directive: “I give you five minutes to conclude your speech. The music is enough... or I will switch off the microphone.”
The governor, known affectionately as the “Dancing Governor” for his vibrant public persona, continued his musical tribute briefly, prompting Mrs. Tinubu to reiterate her request. The light-hearted yet firm interaction, captured on video and shared across social media platforms, quickly amassed millions of views on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. While some netizens interpreted it as a “clash” or overreach—sparking debates on protocol, respect for elected officials, and the role of unelected figures in public forums—others viewed it as a relatable moment of event coordination gone viral. Prominent voices, including media mogul Dele Momodu, criticized the exchange as “inappropriate and disrespectful,” while supporters like influencer Oyemyke defended it as a “normal interaction” between colleagues.
Amid the online frenzy, Titilola Adeleke—affectionately called Titi—chose the high road. On December 9, 2025, she took to her Instagram page (@titilolaadeleke) to post a warm, elaborate congratulatory message, framing the title as a “testament to [Mrs. Tinubu’s] exemplary impact, virtues, and excellent dedication to serving humanity.” In a subtle yet poignant callback to the video, she infused her words with grace, effectively transforming the phrase “I give you 5 mins” from a point of contention into a symbol of admiration and brevity in celebration. Her full statement read:
“I profoundly rejoice with the Mother of the Nation, Distinguished Senator (Dr) Oluremi Tinubu (CON), on her historic installation as the Yeye Oodua of Yoruba Land. This is another testament to your exemplary impact, virtues, and excellent dedication to serving humanity, uplifting lives, and communities across our country. I give you 5 mins to bask in this glory, Mummy—your light shines brighter today! Congratulations, Mummy! May this mantle bring you even greater fulfillment and divine favor.”
The post, accompanied by elegant photos from the event, has exploded in popularity, garnering over 250,000 likes, 15,000 shares, and a flood of comments praising Titi's “queenly response.” Hashtags such as #GraceOverDrama, #TitiAdeleke, and #YeyeOodua have trended nationwide, with users lauding her for prioritizing unity over pettiness. One commenter wrote, “This is how leaders respond—elegance in the face of everything. Mummy Titi just won the internet!” Another added, “From ‘I’ll off your mic’ to ‘I give you 5 mins of glory’—poetic justice and pure class.”
Titilola Adeleke, 58, a philanthropist and founder of the Titi Adeleke Foundation, has long been a pillar of support for her husband’s administration, focusing on initiatives for women's empowerment, maternal health, and youth education in Osun State. Her response not only humanizes the Adeleke family but also aligns with Governor Adeleke's own post-event statement, where he described the moment as “playful banter” and extended further congratulations to Mrs. Tinubu. In a reciprocal gesture, Senator Tinubu later sent birthday wishes to Titi on her 60th milestone, commending her “unwavering support for family and community,” further mending any perceived rift.
This episode highlights the delicate balance of tradition, politics, and personality in Nigeria's vibrant cultural landscape, where royal events like the Ooni's anniversary serve as crucibles for national dialogue. As the dust settles, Titi Adeleke's message stands as a beacon of reconciliation, reminding all that true leadership thrives on respect and restraint.
The Adeleke family and the Osun State Government extend their best wishes to Senator Tinubu and reaffirm their commitment to collaborative progress for Yoruba land and Nigeria at large.
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