Tuesday, July 21, 2026

You will make Tinubu lose re-election politicking while Oyo hostages languish in bandits’ den, Primate Ayodele tells first lady

The video of Mr Ayodele rebuking Mrs Tinubu emerged on the internet on Friday.

• June 6, 2026
Remi Tinubu and Primate Ayodele
Remi Tinubu and Primate Ayodele

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Elijah Ayodele, has lashed out at First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for engaging in political activities while pupils and teachers abducted by bandits from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 languish in captivity.

The cleric, in one of his recent sermons, said the first lady has not behaved like a good mother by seeking her husband’s re-election amid the hostages’ plight. 

The video of Mr Ayodele rebuking Mrs Tinubu emerged on the internet on Friday.

“Mama Tinubu, you did not behave like a good mother – abiayamo – at all,” Mr Ayodele said.

He added that the first lady should have shown concern like a former first lady Patience Jonathan did when schoolgirls were abducted in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.

Citing Mrs Tinubu’s recent donation of cars to women leaders of the All Progressives Congress across the states during the inauguration of the Tinubu TorchBearers, TTB, a pro-Tinubu support group, Mr Ayodele said the first lady would make her husband lose re-election.

Speaking in pidgin English, Mr Ayodele, said, “You did not campaign for the release of these children. You are only sharing cars for 36 states. Mama Tinubu will make Tinubu to lose o.

“You carry power for head, Mama Tinubu. You go lose this election. If you don’t be careful. Because you no care for these children. Be careful, Nigerians no dey happy. You dey do campaign.”

Mr Ayodele’s criticisms of the first lady comes amid nationwide outrage and protests over the abduction.

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