Since Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office as Nigeria’s president, many have speculated about the real power dynamics within his administration. While the president is officially in charge, growing evidence suggests that his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, may be playing a far more significant role in shaping key decisions than the public realizes. From strategic appointments to the influence of religious networks—particularly the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)—the First Lady appears to be pulling the strings behind the scenes. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Here are five strong reasons why Oluremi Tinubu might be the one truly calling the shots in Aso Rock.
1. The RCCG Factor: Why Are Many Key Government Figures Redeemed Pastors?
One of the most alarming trends in Tinubu’s administration is the overwhelming presence of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) members in high-ranking government positions. This pattern isn’t a coincidence—it suggests a calculated effort to consolidate power through religious networks.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a close associate of Oluremi Tinubu, is a senior RCCG pastor and was instrumental in policy-making under Buhari’s administration.
The appointment of Pastor Ola Olukoyede as the EFCC chairman—the first southerner and first Christian to hold the position in over 20 years—signals a deliberate push to place Redeemed-affiliated figures in critical institutions.
The RCCG even went as far as creating a political directorate in 2022, seen by many as a move to infiltrate governance.
Oluremi Tinubu, herself a high-ranking RCCG pastor, appears to be engineering a silent religious takeover, ensuring that loyalists from her faith hold key government positions.
2. Fuel Subsidy Removal: A Bold Decision That Fits Oluremi’s Style
When President Tinubu suddenly announced the removal of fuel subsidies during his inauguration speech, many political analysts were caught off guard. This decision was made without a concrete alternative plan to cushion the economic shock—a move that seems out of character for the politically shrewd Tinubu.
Interestingly, Oluremi Tinubu is known for her uncompromising stance on fiscal policies and welfare reforms. Could this decision have been influenced by her own economic ideology rather than that of her husband? Given her deep ties to religious circles, where self-reliance and discipline are emphasized, she may have pushed for a tough-love economic policy, disregarding the suffering of the masses.
3. Who Really Controls Political Appointments? The Lagos Blueprint in Aso Rock
Throughout his career, Bola Tinubu has been known as a master strategist in selecting political allies. However, recent appointments suggest a shift towards Oluremi’s preferences, particularly in placing Southern Christians in key economic and security positions.
Consider these appointments:
Betta Edu (Minister of Humanitarian Affairs) – A close ally of the First Lady, placed in charge of welfare programs.
Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy) – Another tech-savvy Christian technocrat, aligning with Oluremi’s vision for modernization.
Nyesom Wike (FCT Minister) – A controversial pick that signals Oluremi’s increasing role in deal-making.
While Tinubu may still be the face of the administration, his wife’s influence on who gets what position is becoming impossible to ignore.
4. The “First Lady Governor” Effect: Running the Show Like Lagos
Oluremi Tinubu’s dominance in government affairs is not new—she played a similar role when her husband was Lagos governor from 1999 to 2007. She was heavily involved in policymaking, welfare initiatives, and political appointments, setting the stage for her current influence at the national level.
Many analysts believe that the same “Lagos template” is now being applied in Aso Rock, with Oluremi acting as a shadow co-president, much like Aisha Buhari’s influence in the last administration. From policies to cabinet selections, she has emerged as the unofficial “First Lady Governor” of Nigeria.
5. A Silent But Ruthless Operator: Who Dares Challenge Oluremi?
Unlike past First Ladies who operated more in the background, Oluremi Tinubu has shown a direct and authoritative approach to governance. She is outspoken, decisive, and often unafraid to challenge even top government officials.
In 2017, she clashed with Dino Melaye in the Senate, proving that she can hold her ground against powerful male politicians.
Reports suggest that many state governors and ministers seek her approval before major decisions, indicating that she wields serious power behind the scenes.
Her influence on welfare programs, youth empowerment, and social initiatives suggests that she is not just a ceremonial figure—but a true decision-maker.
written by Alphonso Olajide Babatunde
