Benin Monarch Decorates Mrs Oluremi Tinubu with Coral Beads
• As First Lady launches 50 CNG buses, empowers 5,000 Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin City Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare, Oba of Benin has blessed Mrs. Oluremi
Coral beads hold deep symbolic weight in Benin royal tradition, historically reserved for the Oba, chiefs and individuals the palace wishes to honour for distinguished service or status. Known as "Ikele," the beads are considered a mark of prestige and royal endorsement, and their conferment on a non-indigene or public figure is treated as a notable gesture of goodwill from the Benin monarchy, currently led by Oba Ewuare II.
The honour was conferred during a visit by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to Benin City, which coverage indicates coincided with the launch of 50 CNG-powered buses and an empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries. Outlets agree on the core event — the decoration with coral beads and the Oba's commendation of the First Lady — with Channels TV additionally reporting that the monarch referenced her recent recognition by US President Donald Trump as part of his praise for her global representation of Nigeria. Details such as the full scope of the empowerment scheme and the CNG bus initiative's rollout are mentioned by ThisDay but not elaborated across all reports.