The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has conferred the title of Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua on the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu. The installation ceremony took place on Sunday at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, Ooni’s Palace, during the grand finale of the 10th anniversary of Mr Ogunwusi’s coronation in Ile-Ife.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ooni expressed deep appreciation to the first lady for her unwavering support over the years.

“She is the mother of the nation. Exactly 10 years ago, on the 7th of December 2015, she stood by me through thick and thin,” he said.

Mrs Tinubu expressed profound gratitude to God, describing the honour as humbling and divine. She commended the Ooni for his visionary leadership, saying he is a progressive traditional ruler whose reign has brought global visibility and renewed pride to the Yoruba race.

The first lady expressed appreciation to the Ife Kingdom for their support for the Ooni in the last decade.

“The joy of the nation has come, and we are just beginning to celebrate. God has assured us that 2026 will be a year of joy, honour and restoration, a year in which everyone will partake in renewed glory,” she stated.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo lauded the Ooni for bestowing the prestigious title on Mrs Tinubu.

Mr Obasanjo urged the first lady to continue her humanitarian works, stressing that chieftaincy titles are traditionally bestowed on individuals of proven character.

“You have come to where you should belong. Continue your good works wherever you go. I am grateful to God that I witnessed the beginning of Ooni Ogunwusi’s reign and that I am here again to celebrate his 10th anniversary,” he said.

In his goodwill message, Governor Ademola Adeleke praised the first lady as a pillar of national development whose contributions have facilitated numerous impactful initiatives across the country.

Mr Adeleke also extolled the Ooni’s remarkable decade of transformative leadership, highlighting his role in advancing Yoruba culture, fostering unity, and contributing significantly to community and national development.

“In 10 years, Kabiyesi has redefined leadership, using his exalted stool to promote peace, unity, and progress. His purposeful engagement and forward-looking initiatives have elevated Ile-Ife’s global visibility and strengthened the unity of the Yoruba race,” he said.

The governor further applauded Ooni’s entrepreneurial investments, which have enabled job creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.

“Oba Adeyeye’s reign has greatly enhanced the cultural, social, and economic landscape of Ile-Ife. We pray that God grants him continued grace and good health to sustain his impactful leadership for many more decades,” he added.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; top government officials; and traditional rulers. 

(NAN)