By Blessing Bello, Reporting
IFE — The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has installed Chief Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, wife of former Ogun State governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as the Yeye Moremi Oodua of the Source.
The chieftaincy ceremony took place on Saturday at the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, coinciding with Mrs Amosun’s 60th birthday.
Delivering a stirring call for pan-Yoruba solidarity, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde declared that cultural identity must rise above political divisions.
“The Yeye Moremi Oodua of the Source is newly installed, and we also wish to say happy birthday and many happy returns in good health, as well as continued service to our nation and humanity,” Makinde said.
“Today at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, this is Yorubaland, where there is nothing like APC or PDP; we are all together. This is what we should strive for in the interest of the Yoruba nation, which this new chieftaincy title represents. If you can gather us all here, it means there is hope for Yorubaland.”
In her acceptance remarks, a visibly moved Mrs Amosun pledged to deploy her new role in service of compassion and humanity.
“I will not take this title with levity or frivolity,” she said. “I fully comprehend that the recognition comes with responsibility, and understand this honour is a call to higher service to humanity.
“I, Yeye Moremi Oodua, therefore pledge to purposefully carry this title with dignity, compassion, empathy and humility. In total submission to God’s will, I pray for the wisdom required to excel in this role, enablement to make an impact, and grace to leave a plethora of good legacies worthy of the honour bestowed upon me by the Arole.”
Earlier, the Ooni explained that the title of Yeye Moremi Oodua of the Source carries deep historical significance and celebrates Mrs Amosun’s life of impact. He offered prayers for her and commended her philanthropic work across Yorubaland.
The event drew a host of dignitaries, including former Lagos State Governor Raji Fashola, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Federal Housing Authority Managing Director Gbenga Asafa, billionaire tycoon Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and other cultural leaders.
Mrs Amosun’s husband, former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was also present to witness the installation.
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