Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday lauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba race, as the royal father installed the wife of former Ogun State Governor, Olufunsho Amosun, as the Yeye Moremi Oodua.
Obasanjo spoke at the colourful event held at the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni and attended by dignitaries including Oyo State Governor, Oluseyi Makinde; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel; former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa; and former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
Others present included Senator Gbenga Ashafa; billionaire businessman, Chief Kessington Adebutu; wife of a former Osun State Governor, Mrs Omolola Oyinlola; and wives of former APC governors in Osun State, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola and Mrs Kafayat Oyetola.
Also in attendance were the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji; and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, among others.
The Chairman of ANN Plc, Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, was represented at the event by Dr Lasisi Olagunju, Editor of Saturday Tribune.
Represented by his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, the former President described the Yeye Moremi title as one of the most revered honours in Yorubaland, noting that it symbolises courage, sacrifice, service to humanity and commitment to cultural preservation.
A statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, said the former President also “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.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Amosun, who was flanked by her husband, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, expressed profound gratitude to God and the Ooni of Ife for the honour bestowed on her.
She 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 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.
Also speaking at the event, Makinde stressed the need for greater unity among Yoruba leaders irrespective of political affiliations.
He said, “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.”
In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi described Mrs Amosun 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.
He charged the newly installed Yeye Moremi to continue impacting lives positively and promoting the cultural values, unity and progress of the Yoruba race.
The monarch also lauded President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for traditional institutions and cultural heritage in Nigeria.
