Video of Ooni of Ife unveiling statue of Remi Tinubu in Osun stirs outrage

Video of Ooni of Ife unveiling statue of Remi Tinubu in Osun stirs outrage

On Friday, October 11, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, lit a firestorm of controversy with his grand unveiling of a golden statue of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The luxurious ceremony, which was supposed to be a celebration of Mrs. Tinubu’s contributions to the nation, quickly spiraled into a source of national outrage.

As videos of the unveiling began circulating online, they captured just the gleaming image of the First Lady.

The monarch, draped in royal regalia, unveiled the golden statue to much fanfare. The statue, according to the PUNCH, intended to immortalize Remi Tinubu’s legacy, was presented as a tribute to her “outstanding leadership, dedication to education, women’s empowerment, and national unity,” according to the Ooni’s speech.

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He said:

“A golden statue is erected to immortalise her virtuous personality and to showcase the strength of a teacher, mother, and wife at the very heart of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

“The biggest hostel and pavilion in the history of Obafemi Awolowo University, which bears her name, represent her efforts to create spaces for learning, development, and empowerment for all.”

However, the grandeur of the event, held against the backdrop of a nation facing immense economic hardship, provoked swift and harsh criticism.

Social media was flooded with comments as users expressed shock, disbelief, and outright anger at the monarch’s decision to honor the First Lady in such an ostentatious manner.

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Video of Ooni of Ife unveiling statue of Remi Tinubu in Osun stirs outrage