Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, stood at the centre of national attention on Saturday as royalty, political heavyweights, and cultural figures converged for the historic installation of Chief Mrs. Olufunso Amosun as Yeye Moremi Oodua.
The installation, performed by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, reaffirmed Ile-Ife’s enduring role as the spiritual and cultural headquarters of the Yoruba people. The colourful ceremony, held at Afenworo Square, also coincided with Mrs. Amosun’s 60th birthday celebration.
Among the high-profile dignitaries was former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, alongside governors, former governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and captains of industry from across Nigeria.
Adding regal depth and cultural symbolism to the ceremony was the presence of the Moremi Global Ambassador and wife of the Ooni of Ife, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, whose role continues to amplify the legacy of Queen Moremi Ajasoro on both local and global stages.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described the Yeye Moremi title as one of the most revered honours in Yorubaland, symbolising courage, sacrifice, and service to humanity. He commended the Ooni for preserving Yoruba heritage and using the throne to promote unity across the country.
In her acceptance speech, the newly installed Yeye Moremi Oodua expressed deep gratitude to God and the Ooni of Ife, describing the honour as a call to higher service.
“I salute the legendary Moremi Ajasoro… The shoes she left behind are too great to fill, but I humbly accept this responsibility with diligence and commitment,” she said.
She emphasised that the title is not ceremonial but a responsibility to serve humanity with integrity, compassion, and humility.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of unity among Yoruba leaders, stating:
“This is Yorubaland and there is no political party here today… what we are seeing is unity in the interest of the Yoruba nation.”
In his address, the Ooni of Ife congratulated Mrs. Amosun, describing her as a woman whose lifestyle reflects the virtues of Moremi Ajasoro. He reiterated that the Yeye Moremi title is reserved for women of exceptional character and service, rooted in the legacy of sacrifice that defines Yoruba history.
The revered monarch also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting traditional institutions and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
The event drew an extraordinary convergence of Yoruba leadership, including former governors, senior political figures, revered monarchs, and business elites, reinforcing Ile-Ife’s position as the rallying point of Yoruba identity and unity.
From royal processions to cultural displays, the ceremony was more than an installation; it was a powerful statement of continuity, heritage, and collective identity of the Yoruba people.
This gathering signals a deeper consolidation of Yoruba unity across political, traditional, and economic lines, with Ile-Ife once again asserting its role as the symbolic and spiritual centre of that convergence.
