First Lady Remi Tinubu Opens Up about Closing Aso Rock Chapel

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJuly 11, 2023

2 minutes read

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has refuted the rumours circulating on social media that she ordered the closure of the Aso Rock Chapel, the Christian worship centre inside the Presidential Villa.

In a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, on Monday, Mrs Tinubu described the rumours as “a fabrication and totally false representation of the true situation”.

She said she never gave any directive to shut down the chapel or take over the keys from anyone.

She also affirmed that the chapel is open and holds weekly fellowships, as usual.

Mrs Tinubu said the only change is that President Bola Tinubu has not yet appointed a new chaplain for the chapel, following the exit of the previous one. She said the appointment of a chaplain is the sole prerogative of the president.

“Our attention has been drawn to a story making the rounds on social media about the purported closure of the Aso Rock Chapel by the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen Olurermi Tinubu OON,CON.”

“We 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.”

The statement was in response to a tweet by a user with the handle @pidomnigeria, who claimed that Mrs Tinubu closed the chapel because some members of the congregation did not support her husband during the 2023 presidential election. The tweet has since been deleted.

The allegation was also reported by some online news platforms, without verifying its authenticity.

The Aso Rock Chapel is one of the two worship centres in the Presidential Villa, along with the Aso Rock Mosque. It serves as a place of worship for Christians working in the villa and their families, as well as guests and visitors.

The chapel has witnessed several changes in leadership and administration since its inception in 1999. It has also hosted several prominent personalities, such as former presidents, governors, ministers, diplomats, and religious leaders.

The First Lady urged Nigerians to disregard the false rumours and pray for peace and unity in the country. She also reiterated her commitment to supporting her husband in delivering good governance and dividends of democracy to Nigerians.