Ooni Installs First Lady Remi Tinubu as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Omo Oodua
Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, witnessed a historic event on Tuesday as the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II (CFR), installed the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Omo Oodua.
The ceremony formed part of activities marking the Ooni’s 10th coronation anniversary, drawing distinguished sons and daughters of Oodua across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The title places Senator Tinubu among a distinguished lineage of Yoruba women who have played remarkable roles in the history and leadership of Ile-Ife and the wider Oodua nation.
Historically, Ile-Ife has produced legendary women such as:
Queen Moremi Ajasoro, celebrated for her heroic sacrifice that liberated market women from the oppression of the Ugbo forces.
Luwo Gbagida, the 16th Ooni of Ife, the only female Ooni in history, known for introducing several civilizational reforms to the ancient city.
Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, who held the revered title Yeye Oodua and remained a towering political matriarch throughout her lifetime.
Senator Remi Tinubu, a former First Lady of Lagos State, three-term Senator of the Federal Republic, and now Nigeria’s First Lady, was honoured with the title in recognition of her contributions to national development and the Yoruba cultural space.
The Ooni congratulated the First Lady and described the conferment as a continuation of the tradition of celebrating exceptional women within the Oodua heritage.
Festivities at the ancient palace featured cultural performances, royal blessings, and attendance by notable dignitaries from across the country.
