Ile-Ife (Nigeria): The Ooni of Ife has conferred a prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title, ‘Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua’, on President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi Tinubu.
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi bestowed the title on the First Lady during a colourful ceremony on Sunday at the Palace Square in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The event coincided with celebrations marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary, drawing dignitaries from across the country.
The title carries deep historical value and was once held by the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended the ceremony and offered prayers for both the Ooni and the First Lady.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, also praised Mrs Tinubu for supporting the President’s efforts to improve national well-being.
Other dignitaries, including Patience Jonathan and Governors Ademola Adeleke and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Ooni’s decade of service.
The Ooni said Mrs Tinubu earned the honour through leadership, cultural influence, and contributions to Yoruba society.
“This title recognises her commitment to uplifting our people and preserving our heritage,” Ooni Ogunwusi stated.
Mrs Tinubu said she was deeply grateful for the recognition from traditional rulers and Nigerians at large.
“I appreciate this honour and thank Nigerians for continually supporting my husband,” she said.
The First Lady has received several traditional titles from leaders across Nigeria in the past year.
In August, she became the Iya Oba of Ikorodu, and earlier, she was named Ugosimba I of Enugu for her humanitarian work.
She also received the title Sarauniyar Yaki in Gombe, in recognition of her advocacy for vulnerable groups.
Cultural performances and traditional displays filled the air as guests celebrated the Ooni’s decade of unity and development.