Obasanjo, Makinde, Fasola, Fayemi, Others Storm Ile-Ife As Ooni Installs Olufunsho Amosun As Yeye Moremi Oodua
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE ancient city of Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba race, came alive on Saturday as eminent personalities from across Nigeria gathered for the installation of Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun as the Yeye Moremi Oodua.
The colourful ceremony, held at Afenworo Square opposite the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was presided over by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The event also coincided with the 60th birthday celebration of the philanthropist and founder of the Uplift Development Foundation.
Among the dignitaries present was former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo.
In his goodwill message, Obasanjo described the Yeye Moremi title as one of the most revered honours in Yorubaland, symbolising courage, sacrifice, service to humanity, and commitment to cultural preservation.
He commended the Ooni for sustaining Yoruba cultural heritage and promoting unity, while congratulating Mrs. Amosun for her philanthropic contributions and dedication to humanity.
In her acceptance speech, the newly installed Yeye Moremi Oodua expressed gratitude to God and the Ooni for the honour, pledging to uphold the virtues of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro.
“I am deeply humbled by this rare privilege. The legacy of Moremi Ajasoro is one of bravery, sacrifice, and selflessness. Though her shoes are too great to fill, I accept this responsibility with commitment and diligence,” she said.
She described the title as a call to service, adding that she would dedicate herself to impacting lives positively with humility, integrity, and compassion.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in his remarks, stressed the need for unity among Yoruba leaders irrespective of political affiliations.
“This gathering reflects our collective interest as a people. There is no political party here today only unity for the progress of the Yoruba nation,” he said.
The Ooni of Ife, while congratulating Mrs. Amosun, described her as a compassionate and selfless individual whose lifestyle reflects the ideals of Moremi Ajasoro.
He charged her to continue promoting cultural values, unity, and development across Yorubaland.
The monarch also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for traditional institutions and cultural heritage in Nigeria.
The event attracted a host of prominent personalities, including 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; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, among others.
Also in attendance were senators, members of the House of Representatives, first ladies from various states, top government officials, business leaders, and captains of industry.
Traditional rulers from across Yorubaland graced the occasion, including the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola; Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji; and several other monarchs.
The event was further enriched by the presence of the Ooni’s queens, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi and Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, adding glamour and cultural splendour to the historic ceremony.