The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Saturday, conferred a prestigious chieftaincy title of Moremi Oodua of the Source on the wife of the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Mrs Olufunsho Amosun.
The chieftaincy title installation, held at the palace of the Ooni, coincides with the 60th birthday anniversary of Mrs Amosun.
De creme de la creme from across the country had arrived at the Ooni’s palace on Friday amid fanfare and heightened security for the 2-in-1 ceremony.
When Mrs Amosun was received by the monarch and his chiefs for the installation ceremony, the palace Square was filled to capacity as prominent political leaders, first-class traditional rulers, business moguls, technocrats and heads of corporate organisations graced the event.
The event recorded the physical attendance of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the husband of the chieftaincy title holder and former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and other dignitaries from across Yorubaland.
Other top personalities at the event included former Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fasola, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria, Gbenga Asafa, billionaire tycoon, Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, cultural leaders and other notable personalities.
Addressing the mammoth crowd at the ceremony, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that the title Yeye Moremi Oodua of the Source carries historical significance, and is a celebration of Mrs Olufunsho Amosun’s life of impact.
The first-class monarch prayed for Mrs Amosun while commending her for her philanthropic roles in Yorubaland.
In her remarks after the installation, Mrs Amosun expressed happiness for the honour.
She said: “To whom much is given, much is expected. And I Chief Mrs Olufunso Amosun, Yeye Moremi Ooduaa take this title not with levity or frivolity.
“I fully comprehend that the recognition comes with responsibility, and understand this honour is a call to higher service to humanity.
“I Yeye Moremi Ooduaa 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.
“My profound thanks again go to the role of Oduwa for singling me out and elevating me amongst equals. For this honour, I shall endeavour to continually make you proud so help me God.
“To everyone present, especially those who arrived before today, those who travelled from far and wide. Thank you for going the extra mile to join me in celebrating my 60th birthday and witnessing history in the making.
Speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde congratulated Mrs Amosun and urged the people present to emulate her humanitarian exploits.
He said the Amosuns represent the interest of the Yoruba Nation, adding, “If you can bring all of us together at Ojaja’s palace, it means there is hope for Yoruba land.”
