Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reportedly summoned Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, over controversial remarks he made about Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Oshiomhole’s comments, which suggested that the Obasekis do not love children because they remain childless and have not adopted, have sparked widespread criticism.
The remarks were made during a press interview where Oshiomhole responded to an alleged statement by Betsy Obaseki, in which she pointed out that the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was the only contender in the state without a wife. In response, Oshiomhole implied that the Obasekis’ lack of children was evidence of their lack of love for children.
Sources within Aso Rock revealed that the First Lady was deeply embarrassed and angered by Oshiomhole’s comments. One insider shared that Senator Oluremi Tinubu was “visibly enraged” when she became aware of Oshiomhole’s statements regarding Mrs. Obaseki.
“She could not believe that a seasoned politician like Oshiomhole would stoop so low as to make such insensitive remarks about a woman’s personal life. It’s an affront to decency and to the values we should uphold in our political discourse,” the source explained.
Known for her strong stance on issues affecting women and her advocacy for ethical conduct in politics, Mrs. Tinubu reportedly felt compelled to address the matter directly with Oshiomhole. “Mrs. Tinubu does not condone the use of personal tragedies or circumstances as political tools, and she wanted to make it clear to Oshiomhole that such behavior is unacceptable,” the source added.
Another official from Aso Rock, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that this issue goes beyond Mrs. Obaseki and touches on the broader implications of dragging personal matters into the political arena. “Senator Tinubu has always believed in politics driven by ideas and development rather than personal attacks and character assassination,” the official remarked.
