On Saturday, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conferred a chieftaincy title on Mrs Folusho Amosun, the wife of a former Ogun governor, during a ceremony in Ile-Ife.
At an elaborate and colourful event held in Ile-Ife, Amosun was honoured with the title of Yeye Moremi of Oodua, coinciding with her 60th birthday.
In his remarks, the Ooni described Amosun as a compassionate and selfless woman whose lifestyle reflects the virtues of the Moremi chieftaincy title.
Oba Ogunwusi recounted the heroic story of Moremi Ajasoro, noting that she made great sacrifices to liberate and protect the Yoruba people.
He said the Yeye Moremi title recognises outstanding women.
Oba Ogunwusi urged the newly installed Yeye Moremi to continue to positively impact lives and promote the cultural values, unity, and progress of the Yoruba race.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also congratulated Amosun and encouraged her to continue serving the country and humanity.
According to Makinde, the chieftaincy ceremony united individuals from various political backgrounds.
“Today, at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, this is Yorubaland, where there is nothing like APC or PDP.
“We are all united. This is what we should strive for in the interest of the Yoruba nation, which this chieftaincy title represents.
If such unity continues, then there is great hope for the Yoruba race, he said.
Mrs Bola Obasanjo called the Yeye Moremi title highly revered in Yorubaland.
The title, she noted, symbolises courage, sacrifice, service to humanity, and cultural preservation.
Obasanjo commended the Ooni of Ife for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and for using the throne to promote unity and development across the country.
She also congratulated Amosun, describing her as a woman of virtue, compassion and outstanding commitment to humanity through her numerous philanthropic activities.
Expressing her gratitude to God for the opportunity, Amosun appreciated Oba Ogunwusi for the honour given to her.
She said she was deeply humbled to be chosen among many distinguished women for the prestigious title and pledged to uphold the virtues and legacy of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro.
“I return all glory, honour and adoration to Almighty God for this rare privilege and extraordinary honour bestowed upon me as the Yeye Moremi of Oodua.
“I salute the legendary Moremi Ajasoro, the iconic heroine of Yorubaland, whose bravery, sacrifice and selflessness remain a shining light to generations.
“The shoes she left behind are too great to fill, but I wholeheartedly and humbly accept this responsibility with diligence and commitment,” she said.
She emphasised that the title was more than ceremonial, seeing it as a divine call to serve God and humanity with passion, empathy, humility, and integrity.
According to her, to whom much is given, much is expected, and she promised not to take the honour for granted or handle it with levity.
Amosun added that she understood the title as a call to service and greater responsibility.
She further prayed for divine wisdom, strength and grace to make a meaningful impact in society and justify the confidence reposed in her.
Dignitaries present included former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Musiliu Obanikoro, and Sen. Gbenga Daniel; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and the husband of the celebrant, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, among others.
