WARRI: Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured with the revered chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse Iwere of Warri Kingdom by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The historic conferment took place on Thursday during a grand homecoming reception organised in her honour in Warri, Delta State, marking the first time the title has been bestowed on any individual in the kingdom’s history.
Speaking at the ceremony, the monarch described the First Lady as a proud and distinguished daughter of the Itsekiri nation, noting that her maternal roots trace back to the Warri Kingdom. According to him, the honour reflects divine purpose and the strong bond between the First Lady and her ancestral homeland.
He stated that the people of Warri recognised her return as symbolic, adding that the occasion came at a time that represents unity, renewal, love, and collective reflection for the kingdom.
The royal father also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has demonstrated commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians, especially vulnerable communities across the country.
Describing the visit as divinely inspired, the Olu said it signified a new phase of healing and unity for the Niger Delta region. He praised the First Lady for serving as a role model to young women and assured both her and the President of the kingdom’s continued prayers and support.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in his remarks, described Oluremi Tinubu as a global icon whose influence extends beyond Nigeria and Africa. He applauded her humanitarian interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative and the Free to Shine programme, as well as the distribution of medical kits to midwives across the region.
Oborevwori further praised the First Lady’s respect for traditional institutions, noting that her cordial relationship with royal fathers has strengthened cooperation between government and traditional authorities in the state.
The governor reaffirmed Delta State’s support for President Tinubu’s reform programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event attracted several prominent dignitaries, including former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was warmly received at the Olu of Warri Palace alongside sons and daughters of the Warri Kingdom.
The ceremony highlighted the enduring cultural ties between leadership, tradition, and national service.
