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By Jethro Ibileke
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has honoured the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the prestigious Benin traditional coral beads, known as ‘Ikele’.
With the honour, Mrs Tinubu becomes the first Nigerian First Lady to be decorated with the royal beads, a symbol of warm welcome and appreciation for her goodwill towards the Benin throne.
She was decorated on Thursday at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City during a courtesy visit to traditional rulers drawn from the three senatorial districts of Edo State.
Mrs Tinubu is the third prominent Nigerian woman to receive the Ikele. The bead had previously been bestowed on retired Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, and former Zonal Director, NTA Benin Network Centre, Mrs Pauline Igbanor.
In an address read on his behalf by his 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 monarch described his reign so far as a journey of service, reflection and renewal, anchored on preserving Benin cultural heritage, strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace, unity and the welfare of the people.
He also commended the First Lady for projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage, noting her recent recognition by United States President Donald Trump.
Earlier, Mrs Tinubu, who expressed delight at the honour, pledged to continue to collaborate with traditional institutions.
She said her Renewed Hope Initiative would deepen partnership with rural women across the country.
She noted that she was in Edo at the invitation of Governor Monday Okpebholo to commission the fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured by the state government.
Mrs Tinubu highlighted some achievements of the Tinubu administration, including empowerment grants for rural women, the elderly, vulnerable citizens and persons living with disabilities.
Conveying President Tinubu’s goodwill message, she congratulated Oba Ewuare II on his 10th coronation anniversary.
“He 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 Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, First Ladies of Kogi, Kwara, Zamfara and Cross River States, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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