Remi Tinubu Makes History in Warri as First Lady Receives Landmark Itsekiri Title, Unveils N50 Million Traders’ Empowerment
A historic coronation unfolded in Warri on Thursday as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received a title never before bestowed in the Warri Kingdom, marking a defining cultural milestone for the Itsekiri nation and the Niger Delta region.
At the Aghofen, palace of the Olu of Warri, Her Excellency was conferred with the revered chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse Iwere I, also known as Ugbọnẹ́, meaning “Light of God,” by His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR. PulseNets learned that this is the first time in the kingdom’s recorded history that the title has been created and awarded, elevating the moment to a landmark event in Warri cultural heritage.
The First Lady was also decorated with the Royal Order of Iwere, the second-highest distinction within the Warri Kingdom. PulseNets obtained that the honour is traditionally reserved for individuals regarded as having demonstrated rare leadership, service, and enduring commitment to the Itsekiri people.
The palace grounds were transformed into a vibrant display of Itsekiri tradition, complete with royal pageantry, cultural performances, and the attendance of thousands of sons and daughters of Iwere land. Dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered in solidarity. PulseNets reported that prominent monarchs present included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, senior government officials, and leaders from the South-West, reinforcing inter-regional unity.
The event also carried the tone of a symbolic homecoming. PulseNets learnt that Mrs. Tinubu’s maternal lineage traces directly to the Itsekiri ethnic group, positioning her as a daughter of the kingdom returning to ancestral roots.
Addressing the gathering during the grand reception, the First Lady expressed deep emotion and pride, describing the moment as both personal and historic.
“I came here because His Royal Majesty Ogiame has given me such tremendous support since the beginning of this administration,” she said. “The Olu and his wife have come to the Presidential Villa in Abuja countless times, and to our house in Lagos. I am proud of the culture of my roots.”
Her remarks pivoted to national cohesion, with a strong call for unity across religious and ethnic lines. Speaking on peace in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria, she stressed that national development is impossible without collective harmony.
“Nigeria has to be united,” she declared. “People are saying there is religious battle between Christians and Muslims. Look at the way God did it—both started the fasting and Lent period at the same time. What is that telling us? It is telling us love and unity. When we are united, that is when God commands His blessings.”
PulseNets gathered that she urged the Itsekiri community to prioritize shared progress over personal interests and revealed that she had engaged in extensive discussions with the Olu on fostering internal cohesion within the kingdom. Special traditional considerations were reportedly made to accommodate her existing national honours before the conferment of the historic title.
At intervals, she addressed the crowd in fluent Itsekiri, underlining the influence of her heritage on her values and public service trajectory, from her years in the Senate to her current leadership of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on women’s empowerment and social welfare.
In a significant economic intervention, Mrs. Tinubu announced a N50 million empowerment programme targeted at 1,000 petty traders in Warri Kingdom, predominantly women. PulseNets reported that the initiative is designed to strengthen small-scale enterprises, raise household incomes, and enhance economic resilience in Delta State. Additional youth-focused programmes are expected in collaboration with the Delta State government.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who formally welcomed the First Lady, praised her dedication to national service and humanitarian causes.
“Nigerians are blessed to have a humble and compassionate First Lady who genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable in our communities,” he stated, commending her Senate record and continued advocacy for disadvantaged populations.
Also Read: Remi Tinubu Publicly Embarrasses Governor Adeleke, Threatens to Kill His Mic for Singing
In his remarks during the conferment, the Olu of Warri described the First Lady as one of the kingdom’s most distinguished daughters, whose national profile and service reflect the enduring values of Iwere heritage, dignity, and leadership.
The ceremony stands as a defining moment in contemporary Itsekiri history, blending royal tradition with national politics, while reinforcing calls for peace, unity in the Niger Delta, and inclusive economic empowerment.
