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As Chief Mrs. OLUFUNSO AMOSUN Became Yeye Moremi Oodua
The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive last Saturday when Chief Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was conferred with the revered title of Yeye Moremi Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The colourful ceremony, coincided with her 60th birthday, it was held in recognition of her enduring virtues of service, courage, and philanthropy—qualities closely associated with the legendary Moremi Ajasoro of Ife. It was a 2-in-1 event. It was an installation ceremony and her 60th birthday celebration.
The first party of the party was held at the Ooni’s palace grounds, in Ile-Ife, while the 2nd part took place at Ojaja Resort Event Centre in Ife.
The dress code was Regal Traditional wear, while the colours of the days was Olive Green on Burgundy, Gold or White.
The event attracted a rich array of first-class traditional rulers, including: The Olofa of Offa; Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III,
The Alake of England; Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon; Oba Francis Olushola Alao, The Olowu of Owu kingdom; Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola and many others like the Emir of Borgu. Their presence underscored the importance and prestige of the occasion within the Yoruba traditional institution.
Top political figures and eminent personalities also graced the ceremony, including: Senator Iyiola Omisore,
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Lagos Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo,
Chief (Mrs.) Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Senator Lanre Tejuosho, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi and his wife and many other high-profile guests from business, politics, and society.
The event attracted an array of distinguished personalities from across the country. Among them were former governors Kayode Fayemi, Babatunde Fashola, and Gbenga Daniel.
Also in attendance were former senators, including Lanre Tejuoso and Lekan Mustapha, as well as the 2023 Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ladi Adebutu. They were joined by captains of industry, as well as current and former First Ladies from across the country.
A rich display of traditional authority was also shown.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Makinde commended Mrs. Amosun for exemplifying the virtues of Queen Moremi through her life of service and commitment to humanity.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, noted that the honouree has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the ideals represented by Moremi, as well as to the cultural heritage and development of Ile-Ife.
Similarly, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, praised her gentle disposition and philanthropic spirit, describing her as a dependable partner whose steadfast support contributed significantly to her husband’s successful tenure in public service.
In her response, the new Yeye Moremi Oodua expressed profound gratitude to the Ooni for the honour, describing the title as both humbling and inspiring. She pledged to continue upholding the enduring values of courage, sacrifice, and service embodied by Queen Moremi.
A grand reception was later held at Ojaja Resort, where Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa delivered a happy birthday message on behalf of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu.
Guests were treated to a night of rich musical performances by legendary juju icons Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade, alongside Sefiu Alao and other entertainers, adding glamour to an already historic and memorable occasion. From all indications, it was not just a coronation; it was a grand cultural spectacle that practically shut down Ife.
Lets tell you about the heroine, Moremi, in history.
Going down the memory lane, Moremi Ajasoro was a heroic queen of Ile-Ife who saved her people from mysterious invaders by allowing herself to be captured and discovering their secret. She revealed that the enemies were humans in disguise, leading to their defeat. Afterward, she fulfilled a painful vow by sacrificing her only son, which made her a lasting symbol of courage and selflessness.
Because of her bravery and sacrifice, Moremi is highly revered in Ife, and titles like Yeye Moremi honour women who embody her strength, leadership, and service to society.
Days before the ceremony, the city had begun to bubble. Guests from across Nigeria and abroad trooped into town in large numbers. All the hotels within Ife and neighbouring towns were fully occupied, while the roads experienced unusual traffic as convoys of dignitaries made their way into the city.
From the Mayfair axis into the heart of Ife, colourful banners and large billboards adorned major routes, giving direction to the venue — the palace of the Ooni.
Inside the palace, preparations were intense. Decorators, event planners, and palace aides worked round the clock to deliver a befitting royal ceremony.
By early morning on the D-Day, the palace square, Afeworan Park, and surrounding areas had been transformed into vibrant arena’s of culture, colour, and class. Guests began arriving as early as 9 am. Cameras flashed endlessly as photographers captured memorable moments, while journalists documented the influx of dignitaries. The Ooni personally welcomed guests, setting a warm and regal tone for the ceremony.
The arrival of Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun and her husband was a moment of pomp and pageantry. Accompanied by a large entourage, they were received at the palace entrance by chiefs who offered prayers and royal blessings. Shortly after, the Ooni emerged and led a majestic procession to the coronation venue.
One of the most captivating moments was when the celebrant was conveyed in the Ooni’s ornate golden chariot, accompanied by traditional drummers, horse riders, and an excited crowd.
She made a symbolic stop at the Moremi shrine within the palace to offer prayers before returning for the formal installation.
The ceremony was rich in entertainment and coordination. Fuji stars, Alhaji Musiliu Haruna Ishola and Alhaji Shefiu Alao delivered electrifying performances. Veteran broadcaster Chief Bisi Olatilo, alongside MC Ewa Ede Yoruba anchored the programme seamlessly.
The highlight came when Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi formally installed Chief Mrs. Amosun as Yeye Moremi Oodua.
In his address, the Ooni revealed that the honour had been approved for her over eight years ago but was deliberately postponed until her 60th birthday to give it deeper meaning.
He described her as a woman of substance, whose humanitarian contributions and personal virtues made her deserving of the revered title.
After the coronation, celebrations shifted to the luxurious Ojaja Arena for a grand reception. A parallel celebration also took place within the palace to accommodate members of the local community.
The reception was anchored by popular comedian Tee A. Guests were treated to sumptuous meals and premium entertainment as music legends took over the stage. Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi and King Sunny Ade,
Both icons delivered outstanding performances that kept guests dancing for hours. Later, Fuji stars Musiliu Ishola and Shefiu Alao returned to further thrill the audience.
The cake-cutting ceremony marked another highlight, as the celebrant, surrounded by her husband, children, and loved ones, celebrated her 60th birthday in grand style. As the night deepened, the DJ took over, spinning evergreen hits that kept the party alive till the early hours.
Without exaggeration, this was not just a coronation—it was a fusion of royalty, culture, power, and celebration.
For many, the installation of Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun as Yeye Moremi Oodua reaffirmed Ile-Ife as the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of the Yoruba people.
It was indeed an event that shut down Ife and set a new standard for royal ceremonies in the South-West.
-Jamiu Abubakar
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