Elegbede Abiodun
• Obasanjo was represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo.
The ancient city of Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, came alive on Saturday as eminent personalities from across Nigeria gathered as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, installed Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, wife of former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as the Yeye Moremi Oodua,
In a statement on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the colourful installation ceremony, which held at Afenworo Square opposite the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, also coincided with the 60th birthday celebration of the philanthropist and founder of the Uplift Development Foundation.
Among the dignitaries present at the historic event was former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, amid cheers from guests and traditional enthusiasts.
Speaking during the ceremony, Obasanjo described the Yeye Moremi title as one of the most revered honours in Yorubaland, noting that the title symbolises courage, sacrifice, service to humanity and commitment to cultural preservation.
The former President commended the Ooni of Ife for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba race and using the throne to promote unity and development across the country.
He also congratulated Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun on her installation, describing her as a woman of virtue, compassion and outstanding commitment to humanity through her numerous philanthropic activities.
Earlier in her acceptance speech, the newly installed Yeye Moremi Oodua expressed profound gratitude to God and the Ooni of Ife for the extraordinary honour bestowed upon her.
Mrs. Amosun said she was deeply humbled to be chosen among many distinguished women for the prestigious title, pledging to uphold the virtues and legacies of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro.
“I return all glory, honour and adoration to Almighty God for this rare privilege and extraordinary honour bestowed upon me as the Yeye Moremi Oodua.
“I salute the legendary Moremi Ajasoro, the iconic heroine of Yorubaland whose bravery, sacrifice and selflessness remain a shining light to generations. The shoes she left behind are too great to fill, but I wholeheartedly and humbly accept this responsibility with diligence and commitment,” she said.
She noted that the title was not merely ceremonial, but a divine call to serve God and humanity with passion, empathy, humility and integrity.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. I will not take this honour for granted or handle it with levity. I fully understand that this title is a call to service and greater responsibility,” she added.
The newly installed Yeye Moremi further prayed for divine wisdom, strength and enablement to make meaningful impact in society and justify the confidence reposed in her.
Also speaking at the event, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, stressed the need for greater unity among Yoruba leaders irrespective of political affiliations.
According to him, the gathering reflected the collective interest and unity of the Yoruba nation.
“This is Yorubaland and there is no political party here today. What we are seeing is unity in the interest of the Yoruba nation. If we can continue to come together like this, then there is great hope for the Yoruba race,” Makinde said.
In his remarks, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) congratulated Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun on her installation, describing her as a compassionate and selfless woman whose lifestyle reflects the virtues of Moremi Ajasoro.
The Ooni narrated the heroic story of Moremi Ajasoro, who sacrificed greatly for the liberation and protection of the Yoruba people, noting that the title of Yeye Moremi is reserved for women of exceptional character, integrity and service to humanity.
Ooni Ogunwusi charged the newly installed Yeye Moremi to continue impacting lives positively and promoting the cultural values, unity and progress of the Yoruba race.
The revered monarch also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for traditional institutions and cultural heritage in Nigeria.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN); former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel; former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore; and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
Also present were senators, members of the House of Representatives, wives of former governors, prominent business leaders, top government officials and several First Ladies.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi, alongside other eminent monarchs from different parts of Yorubaland.
The queens of the Ooni, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi and Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, also accompanied the newly installed Yeye Moremi during parts of the ceremony, adding glamour and cultural splendour to the historic occasion.
