The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, celebrated the grand culmination of his 10th coronation anniversary events by installing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the esteemed honorary title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
The installation ceremony took place at Afewonro Park in Enuwa Square, situated within the Ooni’s Palace, on a Sunday, the 7th of December, 2025. Palace chiefs carried out the traditional rites in accordance with ancient Yoruba customs to formalize the honor.
Ooni Recalls First Lady’s Steadfast Support
In his address, Oba Ogunwusi offered profound praise to Senator Tinubu, recognizing her as a bedrock of support in the lead-up to his ascension and throughout his reign. He referred to her as the “mother of the nation.”
“Ten years ago, on December 7, 2015, she stood by me through thick and thin,” Ooni Ogunwusi stated, recalling a critical period in his journey. He also acknowledged the presence and continuous support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who accompanied him to various ancestral sites a decade ago.
The monarch kept his remarks brief but impactful, saying: “Today is not for long speeches, but I must thank President Bola Tinubu and everyone who has continued to stand by our mother. She truly embodies mercy.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed her deep appreciation for the title, describing the recognition as a “divine privilege.”
She commended the Ooni’s leadership, noting that his decade on the throne has significantly boosted global respect and pride for the Yoruba people. She also extended her thanks to the people of Ile-Ife for their unwavering support of their monarch.
Looking ahead, the First Lady shared a message of hope and optimism for the nation’s future: “The joy of the nation has come. God has assured us that 2026 will be a year of joy, honour, and restoration, a year where everyone will share in renewed glory.”
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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also spoke at the event, commending the Ooni for choosing the First Lady for such a revered chieftaincy title.
He encouraged Senator Tinubu to remain committed to her humanitarian endeavors, emphasizing that traditional honors are typically reserved for individuals distinguished by their integrity and service.
“You have come to where you belong. Continue your good works wherever you go,” Obasanjo advised. He also reflected on his unique position of having witnessed both the beginning of Ooni Ogunwusi’s reign and the current 10th-anniversary celebration.
The ceremony saw an impressive turnout of dignitaries, underlining its national significance. Attendees included a large contingent of traditional rulers such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi.
Political leaders and government officials present included former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; the governors of Osun, Lagos, and Ogun states (Ademola Adeleke, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Prince Dapo Abiodun, respectively), former Governor and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, former House of Representatives Speaker Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, and Osun Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, among others.