Nigerians React as Tinubu Breaks Protocol For His ADC, Video Trends

• President Bola Tinubu has Nigerians talking about his unconventional actions again after breaking the protocol for his ADC
• During a visit by the Alaafin of Oyo and traditional rulers to the presidential villa, the aide was allowed to address the guests
• The president permitting his ADC to speak has generated reactions from netizens, who have reacted to the incident online

Aso-Rock, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu has got Nigerians talking as he was seen in a trending video asking his Aide-de-Camp to introduce himself to the Alaafin of Oyo and his entourage who had visited him at the presidential villa on May 17, 2025.

In the video, the ADC was seen whispering in the ear of the president, and President Tinubu was heard directing him to address the visitor. In his speech, the aide recounted his hometown in Oyo state, with traditional rulers applauding him.

Nigerians speak on Tinubu's ADC speaking

The development has generated reactions from some Nigerians, saying such was an unusual moment between any president and his ADC.

Below are some of their reactions.

Olumide Badejo commented:

"The man has Dua standing at the meeting. As part of the Oyo Kings and as ADC to the president. He is a king but delayed in assuming the throne to serve the country."

Kinihun Adini reacted:

"Tinubu is using the head of the traditional oracle family of OYO Kingdom as his ADC. Make him competitors fear ooo!"

Adebayo Boss tweeted:

"That is to show you how a good leader is. I don't believe in Atiku and Obi."

Fusagbe said:

"Why will people not thrive under him, a conducive environment?"

Shollay de Great stated:

"He is the Elemona of Ilemona in Oyun LGA of Kwara State."

The video of the moment involving Tinubu and his ADC is included here:

What Tinubu told Alaafin during meeting

During the visit, Tinubu disclosed how he had planned to reach out to the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, in locating the then Alaafin of Oyo-designate, who had returned to North America at the time.

The President recalled that he was worried when he learnt that the then Prince Owoade, who was based in Canada before his installation, returned to the overseas country before his coronation could take place.

Tinubu explained that he was eager to reach out to his counterpart in locating the Alaafin-elect who had returned to Canada, mentioning the anxiety caused by the situation before he had returned to Nigeria.

Tinubu's protocol break 'calculated, not random' — Media expert alleges

Reacting, media and communications expert Omosebi Babatope said the ADC’s introduction of himself during President Tinubu’s meeting with traditional rulers was a calculated move rather than a spontaneous gesture.

“If you understand President Tinubu’s style, he’s a seasoned political strategist that can do anything to get everything,” Omosebi told Legit.ng.

“As a Yoruba man, he likely played a role in the traditional leadership structure, even silently. So, this move probably wasn’t just spontaneous but calculated.”

Commenting on the President's breach of formal protocol, he added:

“It’s unlikely that he’s so relaxed with protocol that he’d randomly allow his ADC to step forward. It was more of a symbolic gesture to make the traditional rulers feel respected and welcomed.”

He explained that the ADC’s self-introduction served a strategic purpose:

“The ADC's introduction would also give them a sense of connection and belonging. It was a kind gesture, yes, but also media paparazzi. He knew it would draw attention and possibly cause controversy.”

Bola Tinubu meets with service chiefs

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Tinubu had met with the service chiefs in a closed-door meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday, May 16.

The meeting was reportedly attended by the Chief of Defence staff, military authorities, and the IGP amid security threats in some parts of the north.

This came ahead of President Tinubu's planned visit to Rome to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a media and communications expert for this report.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng