On Friday, October 11, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, sparked a whirlwind of controversy by installing a gilded statue of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun state.
The lavish event, which was designed to honour Mrs. Tinubu’s services to the country, swiftly turned into a cause of national indignation.
As videos of the unveiling began circulating online, they captured just the gleaming image of the First Lady.
See Video Below;
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.
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.
See Reactions Below;
@realTobiAkinbo said: South West Rochas Okorocha iberiberism..The money used in building this nonsense can renovate or equip 50schools with educational equipment.
@gbengaday wrote: Reminds me of the golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar in the bible… It is well
@blackash31: In the midst of poverty lol… Nigerians are slaves to their masters
@bruzieee wrote: Wow great achievement, food cost will reduce in the market now.
@JubaOluwaseun wrote: What has she done to deserve this? This is high profile sycophancy.
