The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has conferred a prestigious traditional honour on Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, by decorating her with the Benin Kingdom’s coral beads known as ‘Ikele’.
The recognition makes her the first Nigerian First Lady to receive the distinction, which symbolises the monarch’s appreciation of her goodwill towards the traditional institution.
The presentation took place on Thursday at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City during a courtesy visit involving traditional rulers from Edo State’s three senatorial districts. The ceremony brought together prominent traditional and political figures to celebrate the relationship between the Benin monarchy and the First Lady.
In an address delivered on behalf of the palace by the Oba’s eldest daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu-Ewuare, the monarch offered prayers for President Bola Tinubu and other leaders, asking God and the ancestors to grant them the wisdom and strength required to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Reflecting on his time on the throne, Oba Ewuare II described his reign as one marked by service, reflection and renewal, alongside an enduring commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom. He also reaffirmed his determination to strengthen traditional institutions and advance peace, unity and the welfare of the people, while “strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace, unity, and the well-being of our people.”
The Benin monarch further praised the First Lady for representing Nigeria with distinction on the international stage. He particularly acknowledged her recent recognition by United States President Donald Trump, citing her international engagements as part of her contributions to the country’s image.
In her response at the palace, Mrs Tinubu expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to deepen cooperation with traditional institutions. She also disclosed plans to extend support to rural women through her Renewed Hope Initiative, explaining that her visit to Edo State was her first in several years.
The First Lady highlighted some of the Federal Government’s social and economic intervention programmes under President Tinubu’s administration. She pointed to empowerment grants and other initiatives designed to improve the livelihoods of rural women, older people, vulnerable citizens and persons living with disabilities.
Delivering a message from the Presidency, Mrs Tinubu also congratulated Oba Ewuare II on the 10th anniversary of his coronation, describing the timing of her visit and the milestone celebration as divinely ordained.
“He (President Bola Tinubu) asked me to appreciate your support and wish you well on your 10th coronation anniversary. We didn’t plan it this way, but it is divine,” she said. “I am truly happy, and I wish you long life, divine health, prosperity, joy, peace, and fruitfulness.”
The First Lady was accompanied to the palace by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. Also present were the first ladies of Kogi, Kwara, Zamfara and Cross River states, as well as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With the latest conferment, Mrs Tinubu becomes the third prominent Nigerian woman to be honoured with the Ikele coral beads. The other recipients are retired Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, and Pauline Igbanor, a former zonal director of the Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA) Benin Network Centre.
