By: Ganiyu Olayinka
The Presidency has shared an AI-generated image showing First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in the role of an akara seller.
The image was posted on Friday via the official X handle of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre. It shows the First Lady wearing an apron while frying akara, with a sign beside her.
The post came just hours after President Bola Tinubu, addressing guests at the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, jokingly referred to the First Lady as “Iya Alakara” – a Yoruba expression meaning “Mama Akara Seller.”
The moment traces back to remarks the First Lady made during the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s “Flow with Confidence” campaign at the State House, Abuja, where she encouraged women and young people to consider businesses requiring modest start-up capital, citing examples such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli.
The AI image has since sparked reactions on X, with many Nigerians expressing surprise and criticism over the Presidency’s decision to share it.
One user, posting as @DeLta, called it “utterly ridiculous and grossly insulting,” questioning the choice to post it from the president’s official media handle. Another, @Jolly, argued the image was a distraction from more pressing issues, referencing an ongoing controversy the user described as “Aso Rock fraud.” A third user, @Ralph olamilekan, invoked an unrelated kidnapping case and allegations against a presidential aide to argue the Presidency’s priorities were misplaced. A fourth, @Benson Hartman, framed the image as reflecting poorly on Yoruba people generally.