President Tinubu mourns with longtime ally over wife’s death

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with his longstanding ally and member of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, popularly called Baba Eto, on the passing of his wife, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku.

According to earlier reports in the media, the longtime ally of the President lost his wife on June 25, 2026 at the age of 59.

In his condolence message, President Tinubu described the late Odunmbaku as a passionate worshipper of God and a pillar within the Celestial Church of Christ at the City of God Cathedral.

He said MC Odunmbaku will be sorely missed not only by her family, particularly her husband, and the Celestial Church, but also by many politicians in Lagos and Ondo States who had encountered her.

He said: “Like her husband, MC Odunmbaku was also a strong politician. 

“She was formerly Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State.

“She stood behind her husband like a Rock of Gibraltar. 

“She was his support system. 

“She was very warm and welcoming to everyone who came into contact with her.

“I know that the passing of MC Odunmbaku will deeply hurt Baba Eto, given the depth of love between the two of them. 

“However, I urge Cardinal Odunmbaku, the family and all those left behind by her to take heart.

“I enjoin them to take solace in the memory of the time shared and the fact that MC Odunmbaku lived a life of service to God and humanity.”