Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has projected a future of major financial strength for the country, stating that Nigeria will soon rise to the point where it lends to other nations.
She made the declaration in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where she was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua during activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The well-attended ceremony drew a long list of political heavyweights, former leaders, state governors, and respected traditional rulers from across the country.
The crowd reflected the significance of the title and the influence of the Ooni of Ife within and beyond Yorubaland.
Among the dignitaries present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; former First Lady, Patience Jonathan; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.
Several other top government officials and royal fathers were also in attendance, including ex-Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, and former Osun First Lady Kafayat Oyetola.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, were also part of the royal audience.
After receiving her title, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife. She spoke briefly but confidently about Nigeria’s future, saying the country was approaching a turning point.
She said:
“Today is a not a day of long speeches, I want to thank the people of Ile-Ife, I also thank the Ooni of Ile-Ife for bestowing such honour. Nigeria’s joy has come; those wondering how we want to do it, we will show them how things are being done. By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity; we will be lending to other nations. It is important to say it here at the source of the Yoruba race today, that during the administration of President Bola Tinubu, people will wonder how he has able to achieve such milestone.”
Speaking earlier, Ooni Ogunwusi praised Oluremi Tinubu for consistently supporting his throne since his ascension.
He also highlighted the contributions of former President Obasanjo, describing him as one of the strong pillars behind the progress of the palace.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, also delivered a goodwill message.
He prayed for a long and peaceful reign for the Ooni and urged Nigerians to continue praying for national leaders.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who joined the dignitaries on the podium, used the moment to commend the Ooni for redefining modern royalty.
He said the monarch had used culture, innovation, and diplomacy to reposition Ile-Ife globally.
Adeleke noted that the Osun State Government shares the Ooni’s vision, explaining that the administration had already upgraded major roads in the ancient city and was close to completing the first-ever flyover in Ile-Ife.
The Osun governor described these projects as steps towards building a more prominent cultural capital for the Yoruba nation.
