Opinion
Whisper in the Crowd: The Story of Remi and a Dancing Governor
Published By
Kazeem Ugbodaga
Date
9th December, 2025
Quick Read
Protocol is the system of rules governing official events. It can restrain a king from speaking, and it can require a governor not to dance or sing in certain settings. It can also permit a First Lady to whisper to a governor, as Remi Tinubu did.
By Kunle Awosiyan
When I read posts online, I often rush first to check the author and then scroll down to the comments. It is not because I misunderstand the post, but because I am eager to learn both from the mind that produced the content and from the diverse perspectives that follow it.
If the author makes sense to me, I like the post or add my contribution. If not, I quietly leave the page. Sometimes, creativity strikes me so strongly that I copy or share a post. For me, it is all about learning.
The comments trailing the trending video from the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary where the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whispered to the Osun State Governor, Mr. Ademola Adeleke have revealed more about our emotional temperature than our understanding of media etiquette.
Some online commentators, including a self-acclaimed On-Air Personality, argued that no one would dare do to President Tinubu what Remi Tinubu did to Governor Adeleke. But what exactly did she do?
She walked up to a governor, whispered something, and the governor smiled and switched from singing and dancing to reading a speech. Watching the video, I saw a First Lady who had been in brief discussion with the Ooni of Ife, accompanied by a subtle gesture that clearly suggested an agreement for her to approach the governor.
What Remi Tinubu did was essentially the role of a compere or protocol officer: reminding a dignitary of the tone expected at that moment. A whisper is not too much; in fact, in formal gatherings, whispering does not break protocol, it helps to enforce it.
Protocol is the system of rules governing official events. It can restrain a king from speaking, and it can require a governor not to dance or sing in certain settings. It can also permit a First Lady to whisper to a governor, as Remi Tinubu did.
Despite the noise online, no commentator has quoted what the First Lady actually whispered to Governor Adeleke. Yet they disapprove of the gesture. So, when does a whisper become a public rebuke?
Was there an understanding between the chief host, the Ooni of Ife, and the First Lady regarding whispering to the dancing governor? Yes there was, and the gesture was visible on camera.
To me, it was even more dignifying that the First Lady carried out the task herself. She did it gracefully. The moment was simple; the amplification was done by social-media interpreters.
-Kunle Awosiyan, a veteran journalist writes from Lagos
Comments