In recognition as a matriarch who has dominated the social, political and business landscape of the Yoruba nation, Abiola Dosumu, was crowned the Yeye Oodua and Queen Mother of the House of Oduduwa last Friday.
As part of the ancient tradition of Ile-Ife, the new Yeye embarked on a three-day traditional rite to receive blessings from the ancestors before her coronation by the Ooni of Ile-Ife.
The coronationn held in the courtyard of the Ooni’s palace (Ile-Oodua) was witnessed by dignitaries, cultural icons, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Expressing her appreciation during the ceremony, Dosumu, said: “This is a huge responsibility, and I strongly believe that during my time, I will work assiduously to preserve our culture and strengthen the unity of Yoruba land. I am grateful for the prayers and the huge turnout of friends and families who came from far and near for this important occasion.”
Dosumu was reached after a unanimous decision by the Ife Traditional Council and major stakeholders of the Oodua race, agreeing that her character, personality, and her wealth of experience as an international businesswoman, a royal ambassador, and a great icon of African culture perfectly qualified her to step into the big shoes earlier worn by the late Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, who died on September 19, 2015.