Plateau-based gospel singer Ezra Jinang has drawn intense criticism on social media after releasing a song praising Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, as “Maman Talakawa,” or “Mother of the Poor.” Jinang, a pastor who also serves as Special Assistant on Entertainment to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, released the track on Saturday before the APC convention in Kaduna. While some listeners said gospel musicians are entitled to celebrate political leaders, many fans argued that the song was inappropriate amid widespread economic hardship and poverty across Nigeria.
Critics questioned the basis for describing the First Lady as a champion of poor Nigerians at a time when households are grappling with higher living costs, hunger and insecurity. Some also accused Jinang of moving away from his religious mission and becoming a promoter of political interests.
Social commentator Sargwak Amos was among the first to respond, accusing Jinang of failing to use his public standing to address insecurity and hardship in Plateau State. Amos said the musician had remained silent while people were being killed, communities attacked and families left grieving, yet had chosen to record a song praising the First Lady. He alleged that Jinang was seeking political favour and personal benefit rather than speaking for residents. “History will remember who stood for the people and who sang for power while Plateau was bleeding,” Amos said.
Comrade Rillz Michael Mangai, describing himself as a long-time supporter of the artiste, said he was raising concerns as a fan who had enjoyed Jinang’s music and respected his influence as a gospel minister from Plateau. Mangai said that, if Jinang was behind “Oluremi Tinubu (Maman Talakawa),” he should reflect on the message conveyed by the title. With millions of Nigerians facing hunger, rising prices and insecurity, Mangai said it was fair to ask what verifiable achievements justified calling a political figure the “Mother of the Poor” and whether the description matched the experience of ordinary citizens.
David Ishaya said gospel performers should not necessarily be excluded from political engagement and that Jinang was free to support any leader. However, he argued that political allegiance should not eclipse truth, justice or compassion for people in distress. Ishaya said he would prefer to hear the singer use his music to press leaders to improve conditions for vulnerable Nigerians rather than simply celebrate official titles. Leaders, he said, should be commended for measurable results and challenged when they fail to deliver, adding that praise for the First Lady could create an impression of success despite what he described as severe pain inflicted on the country by the current administration.
Benjamin Jatau directed four questions to Jinang, asking which specific actions by Remi Tinubu supported the “Mother of the Poor” label and how citizens could confirm them. He also asked whether Jinang would use his music to hold a politician he supported accountable if that person broke promises affecting poor people. Jatau further questioned how the singer separates political campaigning from the independence of his gospel ministry, and what he was doing through music to draw attention to hungry families, jobless young people and communities threatened by insecurity. Jatau said the new song was poor despite Jinang’s established musical ability, suggesting the singer may have drifted from his core talent.
Paul Kunzaar said “Jagaban” would be remembered for exposing what he termed false gospel figures who had abandoned preaching in favour of celebrating politicians accused of corruption and looting public wealth. He said the shift from worshipping God to praising political leaders had become increasingly conspicuous, arguing that the pulpit should be associated with honesty, righteousness and accountability rather than political promotion.
Walshak Silas said Jinang had once been his preferred gospel musician but that he no longer wished to follow his music after the singer described Tinubu’s wife as the mother of poor people. Silas called the title untrue and said it was disappointing to see an indigenous gospel performer, in his view, treat the government as a new object of devotion. He accused Jinang of abandoning spiritual leadership while Nigerians faced deepening hunger and poverty.
