Ooni Honours Tinubu’s Wife With ‘Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua’ Title

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday conferred the prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The honour was bestowed during a colourful ceremony at the Palace Square, held as part of activities marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary, which drew traditional rulers, former leaders and dignitaries from across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title holds significant historical and cultural value and was previously held by the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.

Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi said the First Lady earned the honour through her leadership, cultural influence and contributions to the advancement of Yoruba society.

“This title recognises her commitment to uplifting our people and preserving our heritage,” the Ooni said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended the ceremony and offered prayers for both the monarch and the First Lady. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, also commended Mrs Tinubu for her support of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve national wellbeing.

Other prominent guests, including former First Lady Patience Jonathan and Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, praised the Ooni for a decade of promoting unity and development.

In her remarks, Mrs Tinubu expressed gratitude for the recognition, thanking traditional rulers and Nigerians for their continued support.

“I deeply appreciate this honour and the goodwill Nigerians have shown to my husband and our administration,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu has received several traditional titles within the past year, including Iya Oba of Ikorodu in August, Ugosimba I of Enugu for her humanitarian efforts, and Sarauniyar Yaki in Gombe in recognition of her advocacy for vulnerable groups.

The ceremony featured rich cultural performances and traditional displays, celebrating both the First Lady’s honour and the Ooni’s 10 years on the throne.