Iyabo Obasanjo Installed as Okanlomo Obinrin of Oke-Ona Egba

Former Senator and Professor Iyabo Obasanjo has expressed profound gratitude following her installation as the Okanlomo Obinrin of Oke-Ona Egba by His Royal Majesty, the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, CFR.

The colourful ceremony took place on Thursday at the monarch’s palace in Sapon, Abeokuta, where several prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Ogun State received traditional titles. Among those honoured were the party’s governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, who was installed as Lisa Aje of Oke-Ona Egba, and his wife, Yeye Adenike Omolola Adebutu, who received the title of Yeye Lisa Aje.

Other recipients included the state PDP chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella (Fiwagbola of Oke-Ona Egba), Alhaja Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo (Olu Nla Obinrin of Oke-Ona Egba), and additional party chieftains.

In a statement released after the event, Senator Obasanjo described the honour as deeply meaningful. “I am deeply honoured and grateful to His Royal Majesty, the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, CFR, for the prestigious installation as Okanlomo Obinrin Oke-Ona Egba,” she said.

“This recognition means a great deal to me, and I sincerely appreciate the confidence, love and honour bestowed upon me by the revered monarch and the good people of Oke-Ona Egba. I do not take this honour for granted. It further strengthens my commitment to service, community development and the well-being of our people.

“Thank you, Kabiyesi, for this great honour. I remain deeply grateful.”

Oba Tejuoso, a medical doctor who ascended the throne in 1989, emphasised that the titles were reserved for individuals of proven character, credibility and contribution whose standing had earned the confidence of the traditional institution. The monarch charged the new titleholders to deploy their influence toward the growth and development of Oke-Ona Egba and the wider Egbaland.

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Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is a trained veterinarian and epidemiologist who previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and represented Ogun Central in the Senate between 2007 and 2011. She has remained active in public life and community development through initiatives including the Iyaniwura Foundation.

The installation is widely viewed as a significant traditional endorsement for the PDP leadership in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections, underscoring the continuing interplay between traditional institutions and contemporary politics in Egbaland.