Ile ife, Osun State, which is the cradle of all Yoruba race was agog on Sunday, 19th October, 2025, when it played host to dignitaries, Captains of Industry, Business Moguls and other high-profile personalities from both within and outside the country for the occasion of the Installation of Yeye (Dr) Afolashade Shona-Aluko as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua by the Ooni of Ile ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, ojaja II.
The ceremony which was held at the Oduduwa Hall, where Traditional rulers, community leaders, Artisans, Well wishers, Actors and Actresses, Media personalities and others from all walks of life gathered was full of glitz and glamour.
Gorgeously and decently dressed, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko was flanked by her husband, Engineer Olusegun Aluko at the event.
The investiture was performed on her by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi amidst applause cheering the newly installed Yeye Bobajiro Oodua as a worthy daughter of Oodua.
Earlier, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko was conducted round some important places like ‘Ile Moremi”, “Iya Moolu” and’ “Ile Ase” for prayers and rites in line with the tradition.
The new Yeye Bobajiro Oodua who could not hide her joy, said she could not comprehend how it happened that she could be honoured by a foremost Monarch in Yorubaland and Arole Oodua, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
“To God be the glory for counting me worthy to be honoured with the title of Yeye Bobajiro Oodua by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife and witnessed by many prominent Traditional leaders and dignitaries from far and near” Yeye Shona-Aluko stated.
The Offa, Kwara State-born Entrepreneur and Philanthropist said, her new title, Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, would spur her to do more for the development of mankind, promotion of Yoruba race and cultural institutions.
Appreciating the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, husband of the newly Installed Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Engineer Aluko maintained that the honour done to his wife would never be taken for granted, promising to always support anything that would make her wife succeed in the new assignment.
He called on sons and daughters of Oodua extractions to be more united and promote the tradition, culture, customs and language of Yoruba, irrespective of their educational and religious backgrounds.
“Long may you reign as Yeye Bobajiro Oodua. I pray that God would give you more wisdom and grant you good health in your continued efforts to contribute meaningfully to women empowerment, uphold the dignity of womanhood and your support to humanity” He added.
At the reception, popular Tungba Gospel musician, Evangelist Yinka Ayefele entertained dignitaries at the occasion.
Ooni of Ife was flanked by two Oloris, Ashley and Temitope Ogunwusi, Traditional Chiefs and Honourary Chiefs including Iyalaje Oodua, Chief (Mrs) Toyin Kolade, Artists including Prince Jide Kosoko, Antar Laniyan, Dele Odule, Faithia Balogun, Jaye Kuti, Bimbo Oshin, Ebun Oloyede(Olaiya), Muyiwa Adegoke(Londoner), Olaniyi Afonja (Sanyeri), Doyin Kukoyi among others.
Others include, Members of Association of Female Artisans Worldwide, AOFAW from the 36 States of the Federation and FCT, Abuja, led the President, Dr. Jumoke Aborode.
Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko is the Chief Executive Officer, AVO Pizza Fabulous, Arepo, Ogun State and Chief Executive Officer, DLA Toys and Amusement Park, Lagos. She is also the National Matron of Association of Female Artisans Worldwide, AOFAW.
