…as Ooni confers chieftaincy title on first lady
Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady has declared that 2026 will mark the beginning of a new era of prosperity for Nigerians and other reaidents of the country.
She made the remark in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conferred on her the title of Yeye Asiwaju of Ile Oodua as part of activities marking his 10th Coronation Anniversary.
The ceremony drew former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors and senators from across the country.
Speaking after receiving the honour, she said “Nigeria’s joy has come. Those wondering how we want to do it will soon see how things are done. By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity, and other countries will come and borrow money from us. It is important to say this at the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, because the milestones ahead will surprise many under President Bola Tinubu.”
But, former President Obasanjo, in his goodwill message, applauded the Ooni for the transformation witnessed under his reign and for strengthening Yoruba culture.
He congratulated Oluremi Tinubu on her installation, describing the event as significant for the Yoruba nation.
Read also: Oluremi Tinubu parleys monarchs, religious leaders in Lagos
Earlier, Oba Ogunwusi said the first lady had consistently shown compassion towards women and the girl-child, describing her as a mother figure.
The monarch noted that the honour, conferred on behalf of traditional rulers saying “I am installing her on behalf of all traditional rulers, including from Itsekiri land, and in the presence of the Sultan.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State praised the Ooni for projecting Yoruba culture on the global stage. He described the first lady as a perfect fit for the title and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Ile-Ife to boost tourism.
Also present at the event were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and former Ogun Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Senators Bamidele Opeyemi, Solomon Adeola, Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi were also in attendance.
The wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, led a large delegation of governors’ wives, female ministers, lawmakers’ wives and wives of service chiefs.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, was among the prominent traditional rulers present, alongside the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Orangun of Ila; the Soun of Ogbomoso; and the Deji of Akure.
