The Nigerian First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was on Sunday honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of ‘Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile-Oodua’ by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The ceremony, held at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, marked the grand finale of events celebrating the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.
Describing the First Lady as “a woman of substance who remains deeply connected to Yoruba culture and tradition,” the Ooni praised her loyalty and 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.
The monarch noted that the title had the collective backing of traditional rulers across Yorubaland. He also thanked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his support during his ascension to the throne, recalling how the elder statesman spent 16 hours with him on the day he was announced as Ooni.
He also appreciated former First Lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan for attending the ceremony and hinted that the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, would soon be similarly honoured by traditional rulers.
Remi Tinubu: “This Honour Is Humbling and Divine”
In her acceptance speech, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude to God and described the honour as divine and humbling. She commended the Ooni’s visionary and progressive leadership, which she said has brought global recognition to the Yoruba race.
“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,” she said.
Obasanjo, Adeleke, Others Laud First Lady and Ooni
Former President Obasanjo, in his goodwill message, said chieftaincy titles are reserved for people of proven character. He charged the First Lady to continue her humanitarian work, adding: “You have come to where you should belong.”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, praised Senator Tinubu as a pillar of national development and commended the Ooni for a decade of transformative leadership that has promoted unity, culture, and youth empowerment across Yorubaland.
“In 10 years, Kabiyesi has redefined leadership, using his exalted stool to promote peace, unity, and progress,” Adeleke said.
High-Level Attendance
The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including:
- The Sultan of Sokoto
- The Olu of Warri
- The Soun of Ogbomoso
- Governors: Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun
- Former Speaker Dimeji Bankole and Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa
Also present were prominent women such as Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, Hajiya Fatima Abbas, Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade, and former Oyo First Lady Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
Traditional rulers in attendance included the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi; and the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Oyatoye, among many others.
