The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has decorated Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, with the prestigious Benin traditional Coral beads known as ‘Ikele’.
Remi Tinubu becomes the first Nigerian First Lady to receive the honour, which is an expression of warm welcome and appreciation for her goodwill toward the traditional institution.
She was honoured during a courtesy visit to Edo State traditional rulers from the state’s three senatorial districts at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City on Thursday.
In an address read on behalf of the palace by the Oba’s eldest daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu-Ewuare, Oba Ewuare prayed to God and the ancestors to grant President Bola Tinubu and other leaders divine wisdom and strength to fulfil their responsibilities.
The Benin monarch said his reign has been a journey of service, reflection, renewal, and continued commitment to preserving Benin cultural heritage, while “strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace, unity, and the well-being of our people.”
Oba Ewuare also commended the First Lady for representing Nigeria gracefully on the global stage, making special mention of her recent recognition by President Donald Trump.
Addressing the Benin throne earlier, the First Lady expressed delight at the honour and pledged to collaborate with traditional institutions.
Remi Tinubu announced plans to partner with rural women through her Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that her visit to Edo State was her first in several years.
She highlighted key achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, emphasising economic and social empowerment grants targeting rural women, the elderly, vulnerable citizens, and persons living with disabilities.
Delivering a message from the Presidency, the First Lady congratulated Oba Ewuare on his 10th coronation anniversary.
“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, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and first ladies from Kogi, Kwara, Zamfara, and Cross River states, alongside leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With the decoration, Mrs Tinubu is only the third prominent Nigerian woman to receive the Ikele beads. Previous recipients are retired Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, and former Zonal Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Benin Network Centre, Pauline Igbanor.
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