The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the revered Yoruba chieftaincy title of ‘Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua’ by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in a ceremony that drew national attention on Sunday.
The investiture, held at the Palace Square in Ile-Ife, formed part of the celebrations marking the monarch’s 10th year on the throne.
The event attracted an array of prominent personalities, traditional rulers, political leaders and cultural groups from across Nigeria.
The title, which carries significant historical weight, was previously held by the late Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, one of the most respected matriarchs in Yoruba history.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo graced the occasion and offered prayers for both the Ooni and the First Lady, emphasising the importance of unity and cultural preservation.
Also in attendance was the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who praised Mrs Tinubu for her support of national development initiatives championed by President Bola Tinubu.
Other guests, including former First Lady Patience Jonathan and Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, commended the Ooni for a decade dedicated to peace-building and cultural renaissance.
Oba Ogunwusi said the honour was in recognition of Mrs Tinubu’s leadership qualities, cultural impact, and contributions to the progress of Yoruba communities.
“This title celebrates her dedication to uplifting our people and safeguarding the heritage of Ile Oodua,” the Ooni stated.
In her remarks, Mrs Tinubu thanked the monarch and the wider Yoruba traditional institution for the recognition.
“I am truly humbled by this honour and by the love Nigerians continue to show to my family,” she said.
The First Lady has received multiple traditional titles within the past year from various communities across the country.
In August, she was named Iya Oba of Ikorodu, and earlier in the year she was installed as Ugosimba I of Enugu for her humanitarian work.
She was also honoured in Gombe with the title Sarauniyar Yaki, acknowledging her advocacy for women and vulnerable groups.
The Sunday’s ceremony featured colourful cultural performances, drumming, chants, and traditional displays that highlighted Yoruba identity and unity.
Guests described the event as a fitting symbol of the Ooni’s decade-long commitment to cultural revival and community development.
