Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Sunday received one of the most esteemed titles in Yorubaland as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, installed her as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
The colourful ceremony took place at the historic Palace Square in Ile-Ife, Osun State, drawing a distinguished audience befitting the cultural importance of the event.
Mrs Tinubu arrived at the Ooni’s palace shortly after 1 PM, accompanied by heavy security and greeted by drummers, dancers, and a crowd of admirers. She was formally received by the monarch and his chiefs before proceeding to the installation grounds, where rites and formalities marking the conferment were performed.
The honour formed part of activities commemorating Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary, a milestone that has attracted traditional rulers and eminent Nigerians from across the country.
Among those in attendance were former President Oluseun Obasanjo, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Sultan of Sokoto; and, Soun of Ogbomoso, Chief Mrs Nike Akande, Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye and many others, all of whom joined other cultural leaders and dignitaries in celebrating both the monarch’s anniversary and the First Lady’s investiture.
The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua is historically revered and was most notably held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the nationalist icon Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It symbolises leadership, moral authority, and significant contributions to societal development within the Yoruba nation.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s installation adds to the growing list of traditional honours she has received across Nigeria this year, underscoring her rising cultural stature and influence within and beyond the Southwest.
Speaking at the elaborate occasion, Chief Obasanjo lauded the leadership style of the Oni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi since he ascended the throne ten years.
Also in her brief speech, Chief Mrs Nike Akande, described wife of the president as a rare gem and a woman of many parts who has contributed immensely to progress of Nigeria and her husband’s administration.
