Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Iya Oba of Ikorodu by His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, during celebrations marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.
The title, which translates to “Mother of the King,” was conferred in recognition of Mrs. Tinubu’s enduring contributions to national development, her advocacy for women and youth empowerment, and her symbolic role in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Represented at the ceremony by Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Tinubu expressed deep gratitude for the honour, stating: “This gesture is not only a personal honour, but a call to continued service. The title of Iya Oba carries with it, not just prestige, but also a responsibility. Ikorodu Kingdom holds a special place in the heart of Lagos, and I am humbled to be part of its legacy.”
The event, held in Ikorodu, was attended by prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries from across Nigeria. Among them were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; and NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa — all of whom commended Oba Shotobi’s decade of transformative leadership.
Oba Shotobi’s reign has been marked by peace, infrastructural growth, and the elevation of Ikorodu from a rural community to a thriving business hub. The conferment of the Iya Oba title on Mrs. Tinubu further cements her role in Lagos’s civic and traditional landscape, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.