Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has offered fresh insight into the widely debated “ the other room” remark made by her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the comment was made in an inappropriate setting and was misunderstood outside Nigeria.
Her reflections are contained in a newly released biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr. Charles Omole.
The controversial remark, which referenced her place being in “the kitchen and the other room,” was made during a 2016 public appearance in Germany alongside then-Chancellor Angela Merkel.
According to the book, the statement quickly drew global attention and sparked criticism, particularly among international observers unfamiliar with Buhari’s dry and sometimes blunt sense of humour.
Aisha Buhari is quoted as saying that while she and her husband laughed about the comment privately, she later realised it did not land well on the global stage.
She acknowledged that humour, which may be easily understood at home, can take on unintended meanings when spoken in international diplomatic settings.
The former First Lady reportedly faced repeated questions from foreign associates who viewed the remark as reflective of official government thinking rather than a personal joke.
In response, she maintained that both she and her husband were clear about her role and autonomy, stressing that the comment did not define her place in governance or public life.
The biography further notes that while the couple had disagreements over policy direction and governance priorities during Buhari’s presidency, there was no dispute about Aisha Buhari’s presence in decision-making spaces.
She continued to engage publicly and politically, asserting her voice when she felt it was necessary.
The account presents her reaction not as one of outrage, but as a measured acknowledgement of how context and audience can significantly shape public perception.
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