Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has refuted claims that she ordered the closure of the Aso Rock Chapel, asserting that the chapel remains open and continues to host weekly fellowship gatherings.
The allegations of the chapel’s closure surfaced on Twitter, with a user named @VeronicaaNaomi attributing the directive to the First Lady. According to the tweet, the closure was supposedly prompted by the lack of support for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, during the presidential election held in February 2023.
However, in a statement released by her newly appointed Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady categorically dismissed these claims as false.
The statement read, “We have become aware of a story circulating on social media regarding the alleged closure of the Aso Rock Chapel by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu OON, CON, the First Lady of Nigeria.”
Mrs Tinubu’s statement further clarified that the reports of the chapel’s closure were unfounded, emphasizing that the chapel continues to operate as usual, providing a space for worship and fellowship within the Aso Rock community.
The First Lady’s swift response aimed to set the record straight, ensuring that accurate information prevails amidst the proliferation of false narratives on social media platforms.
As the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu remains committed to her role and responsibilities, including fostering unity and religious freedom within the Aso Rock community. The Aso Rock Chapel, under her purview, continues to serve as a place of worship, reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness of the nation.
By addressing the misinformation promptly, Mrs Tinubu aims to uphold transparency and accountability, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the operations of the Aso Rock Chapel and her commitment to its continued functioning.
โWe wish to state categorically that this is a fabrication and totally false representation of the true situation, as the First Lady at no time gave such directive that the Chapel be shut and the keys handed over to Her Excellency.” Presently there are weekly fellowships going on at the Chapel.
โHowever, Mr President is yet to appoint a Chaplain for the chapel after the exit of the last Chaplain, as he only reserves the right to appoint a Chaplain for the Chapel.โ