The Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has installed the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
The installation ceremony took place on Sunday at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, during the grand finale of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Ooni Ogunwusi.
Rites were performed for Senator Oluremi Tinubu by traditional chiefs in accordance with ancient customs.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Ooni expressed deep appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu 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. I asked Baba Obasanjo to help me thank her because he accompanied me to several ancestral sites during those critical moments. Baba spent 16 straight hours with me when I was announced as Ooni of Ife. Today is not a day for long speeches, but I must sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and thank all of you for standing by our mother. She is indeed a merciful mother,” Ooni Ogunwusi said.
In her speech, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed profound gratitude to God and described the honour as both humbling and divine.
She commended the Ooni for his visionary leadership, describing him as a young, wise, and progressive monarch whose reign has brought global visibility and renewed pride to the Yoruba race.
She expressed appreciation to the entire Ife Kingdom for their support for the Ooni throughout 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 added.
Also speaking, former President Olusegun Obasanjo lauded the Ooni for deeming the First Lady worthy of the prestigious title.
He urged Senator Tinubu 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,” Obasanjo said.
In his goodwill message, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a pillar of national development whose contributions have facilitated numerous impactful initiatives across the country.
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 the 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 such as Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, Soun of Ogbomosho, Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí all of whom graced the celebrations with their presence to pay tribute to the Ooni’s decade of impactful reign.
Among the top government officials in attendance were Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole; and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi.
Also present were leading women of influence, including Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, wife of the Minister of Defence; Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker; Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President; Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor; the Yeyelaje of Oodua, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade; and former Oyo First Lady, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
A distinguished assembly of traditional rulers also thronged the venue, further highlighting the significance of the occasion. Present were 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 Ademola Elegushi; Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye; alongside many other royal fathers from across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
