By Charles Pemu 
ILE-IFE, NIGERIA – The ancient city of Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, was the focal point of national attention on Sunday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, marked the milestone of his 10th coronation anniversary with a series of high-profile events, including the launch of a new university campus and the conferment of a major chieftaincy title on the First Lady.
The celebration was distinguished by the convergence of traditional rulers, political dignitaries, and cultural leaders from across Nigeria, underscoring the Ooni’s role as a national unifying figure.
A major highlight of the day was the official launch of the Ojaja University campus in Ile-Ife. The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new educational institution, cementing a legacy of cooperation between the nation’s key traditional institutions.
The launch of the university campus is viewed as a significant contribution by the Ooni to the advancement of education and human capital development within the region. The Sultan was joined at the groundbreaking by several other prominent northern and southern monarchs, including the Orangun of Oke Ila, and the Emirs of Keffi, Anka, and Katagum. The presence of this diverse royal delegation lent immense weight and stature to the Ooni’s commitment to socio-economic development through education.
Earlier in the day, the Palace Square was the scene of another momentous occasion when the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua by Oba Ogunwusi.
Arriving at the Ooni’s palace around 1 PM amid fanfare and heightened security, Mrs. Tinubu was received by the monarch and his council of chiefs. This title, a recognition of leadership, influence, and contributions to society, holds historical weight, having been previously held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the revered statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The twin events drew a massive gathering of dignitaries from across the country. Besides the Sultan of Sokoto and the northern Emirs, the traditional attendance included the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, alongside countless other traditional and cultural leaders who came to celebrate Oba Ogunwusi’s decade on the throne.
The celebratory atmosphere, marked by both the grandeur of the chieftaincy ceremony and the educational focus of the university launch, underscored the unity and cultural significance of the occasion. The massive attendance and the Sultan’s direct participation in the university project reinforced the Ooni’s role in forging constructive national relationships.
This latest honour for Senator Tinubu adds to a series of traditional titles she has received this year, including the Iya Oba of Ikorodu, Ugosimba I of Enugu, and Sarauniyar Yaki (Queen Warrior) of Akko, Gombe State, recognizing her humanitarian services and commitment to national development.