Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has recounted how Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, came to his rescue during a challenging period in his political career. Speaking at a reception held in honor of Senator Tinubu and other State Governors’ wives at the Government House in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her support and guidance.
Governor Adeleke revealed that Senator Tinubu had played a pivotal role in helping him navigate a potentially damaging situation while he served as a senator in the 8th Senate. He recounted an incident where the media had captured him sleeping during a plenary session and attempted to use it to blackmail him.
Recalling the incident, Governor Adeleke shared, “There was a time when the media caught me sleeping in the Senate, so they wanted to blackmail me. I told them how tedious our job is in making bills and having several sleepless nights over Nigeria. We don’t sleep till 4 a.m. most times.”
Governor Adeleke admitted that he almost succumbed to the pressure of the media’s blackmail until he sought advice from Senator Tinubu. He recounted seeking counsel from her before she departed for Lagos, explaining his predicament and the media’s attempts to exploit it.
In response, Senator Tinubu reportedly advised Governor Adeleke not to engage with the media’s attempts at blackmail and to assert his humanity. Her words of wisdom and encouragement helped Governor Adeleke avoid a potentially costly situation.
Governor Adeleke praised Senator Tinubu as a “detribalized First Lady” and emphasized her wealth of experience in navigating the challenges of politics. He expressed gratitude for her ongoing support and guidance, noting that her counsel has been instrumental in resolving various issues.
The reception, held in honor of Senator Tinubu and other Governors’ wives, provided an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to the political landscape. Governor Adeleke’s testimony highlighted the importance of mentorship and support within the political sphere, emphasizing the significance of experienced leaders like Senator Tinubu in guiding and advising emerging politicians.