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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu is known for her bold and outspoken nature. Regardless of an individual’s class or social status, she has a history of engaging in verbal confrontations when she feels offended or perceives an offense. As a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, she does not shy away from expressing her opinions and beliefs. Her fearlessness is admirable, and it is evident that she does not play finesse when it comes to defending herself or standing up for what she believes in. Her strong personality and unwavering character make her a force to be reckoned with.
Remi vs Dino
In 2016 during a heated debate in the Senate, her colleague, Senator Dino Melaye, got a bit of her dose.
Dino Melaye, then an All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing Kogi West had proposed heavy sanctions against fellow senators who connived with the Executive branch of the government to criminalise the then Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, on a case of forgery of Senate Rules.
The duo emerged as both Senate President and Deputy Senate President against the wishes of the Executive, hence, the plot to oust them.
Melaye had said during a sitting of the Senators: “You should go and tell those who sent you that nobody, I said nobody, no matter who he is, can ever control this Senate.”
Oluremi Tinubu then gave Melaye a dress down.
She said: “I’m just wondering why whenever Senator Dino speaks in this chamber, he is always threatening people and behaving childishly and at times like a thug.”
Melaye jumped in rage after being called a thug and child. It took the intervention of other senators to pacify him.
Remi vs Igbos in Lagos
The statement made by Oluremi Tinubu in 2019 caused a great deal of controversy and backlash. Many people, both within and outside of Lagos, condemned her words as both insensitive and divisive. The Igbos, who make up a significant portion of the population in Lagos, were particularly offended by the statement.
Tinubu’s comments were seen by many as an attempt to stoke ethnic tensions in the city. Lagos has long been a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic groups, and it is often seen as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity and tolerance. However, Tinubu’s remarks threatened to undermine this delicate balance, and sparked fears that violence could erupt between different ethnic groups in the city.
Despite the widespread condemnation of her words, Tinubu refused to back down or apologize for what she had said. She maintained that she was simply expressing her frustration with the perceived ingratitude of some members of the Igbo community, who she felt were taking advantage of the hospitality and generosity of the Yoruba people.
In the end, Tinubu’s comments served as a reminder of the deep-seated ethnic tensions that still exist in Nigeria, despite the country’s efforts to promote unity and diversity. They also highlighted the need for political leaders to be more careful with their words, and to avoid making statements that could be seen as divisive or inflammatory.
She added: “You are not the only tribe in this place, Hausa are here, we accommodate them, Calabar are here, we accommodate them. But Igbos are proving difficult. We will inherit you. Despite the love, we have for you… others are here and we accommodated them.”
Remi Tinubu vs Smart Adeyemi
The statement made by Senator Smart Adeyemi on the floor of the Senate in April 2021, regarding the increasing level of insecurity in Nigeria, caused quite a stir among his colleagues. Adeyemi’s emotional plea for the government to take urgent action to address the deteriorating security situation in the country drew tears from the eyes of many in the chamber. However, his comparison of the current crisis to the civil war triggered a heated exchange with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who accused him of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The civil war, which lasted from 1967 to 1970, is still fresh in the memories of many Nigerians. It was a period of great turmoil and loss of lives, with millions of people losing their homes and livelihoods. Therefore, Adeyemi’s comparison of the current insecurity to such a catastrophic event was seen by some of his colleagues as an exaggeration and an attempt to score political points.
Senator Tinubu’s interjection was not unexpected, given the political divide between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She accused Adeyemi of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing, insinuating that he was not sincere in his concern for the country’s security but was merely trying to score cheap political points against the APC-led government.
The exchange between the two Senators reflects the deep-seated political polarization that has plagued Nigeria’s political landscape for decades. It underscores the need for political leaders to rise above partisan interests and work together to address the security challenges facing the country. The increasing incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency have caused immense suffering to ordinary Nigerians and threaten the country’s stability and unity. Therefore, it is imperative that all stakeholders, regardless of their political affiliations, work together to find lasting solutions to the security crisis.
Remi vs A woman at an event
In May 2021, a video of Oluremi Tinubu calling a woman a ‘thug’ at the southwest zonal public hearing of the constitution review went viral. The event, which was held at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos, had residents queuing to be allowed entry into the hall. However, after the arrival of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the front door was shut against those in the queue, with ushers informing them that registration had closed for the day.
This decision did not sit well with those who were unable to register, and they refused to leave the queue. As some lawmakers from Oyo state passed the queue and were about to be ushered in, a commotion ensued at the front entrance. The Oyo lawmakers were about to be hurriedly ushered through the backdoor, but the people followed them, preventing them from being allowed into the hall. After some consultation with the personnel at the door, Oluremi Tinubu showed up at the backdoor to allow the lawmakers in.
As she was about to do this, a woman who had been complaining about being denied entry voiced out her frustration and decried the partial treatment. Seeing this, Senator Oluremi Tinubu beckoned on the woman and called her a “thug” for speaking too loud. This comment infuriated those in the queue, who insisted that such a derogatory word shouldn’t have come from the senator. Despite the reaction from those in the queue, Oluremi Tinubu refused to apologise, saying: “I will not apologise for what I said. I saw it and I said it.”
The incident sparked widespread criticism of Oluremi Tinubu’s behaviour, with many people condemning her use of derogatory language and refusal to apologise. The incident also highlighted the larger issue of discrimination and inequality in Nigeria, with many people pointing out that incidents like this are all too common in the country. As a result, there were calls for better treatment of citizens and for politicians to be held accountable for their actions. Ultimately, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of respect and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their status or position in society.
Who is Oluremi Tinubu
Oluremi Tinubu is a Nigerian politician and senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District. She was born on September 21, 1960, to a Yoruba father from Ogun State and Itsekiri mother from Delta State. Her father was a disciplinarian who instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance.
Growing up as the youngest of 12 children, Oluremi learned the importance of family and community. She attended primary and secondary school in Lagos before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where she obtained a degree in Education.
After completing her studies, Oluremi worked as a teacher for a few years before venturing into business. She started her own bakery and confectionery business which she ran successfully for over a decade. Her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen earned her the nickname “Iya Alalubosa” (Mother of Onions) in the market where she traded.
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In 1999, Oluremi Tinubu entered politics and contested for the position of First Lady of Lagos State when her husband, Bola Tinubu, became the Governor. She served in that capacity for two terms before contesting for the position of Senator in 2011.
As a Senator, Oluremi has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She has sponsored bills and advocated for policies that promote gender equality, health, education, and economic empowerment for women.
In recognition of her contributions to public service, Oluremi Tinubu has received several awards and honors both locally and internationally. She is married to Bola Tinubu and they have three children together.
Her Education
Tinubu started her educational career at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School Ijebu-Ode where she obtained her West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Exam (WASSCE) in 1979, and PGD from The Redeemed Christian Bible College in 2010.
Tinubu received a B.S. in Education from the University of Ife, and a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education.
Political Career
She became the first lady of Lagos State when her husband, Bola Tinubu, was elected as governor.
She was elected Senator in 2011 and became the longest-serving member of the upper legislative chamber to represent Lagos.
Personal life
She has three children with Bola Tinubu. They are; Zainab Abisola Tinubu, Habibat Tinubu and Olayinka Tinubu.
She is a stepmother to her husband’s three children from previous relationships – Olajide Tinubu (deceased), Folashade Tinubu (Iyaloja), and Oluwaseyi Tinubu.
She is a Christian and is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Her ordination took place in 2018 at the Old Arena of RCCG, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway where the church held its 66th annual convention themed “Dominion”.
