Tinubu Hails Iyalode Of Remoland, Sade Ogunbiyi, On 80th Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Iyalode of Remoland, Chief Sade Ogunbiyi, on the occasion of her 80th birthday.

Ogunbiyi, wife of renowned academic, journalist and entrepreneur, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, clocks 80 on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Ogunbiyi for what he described as her invaluable contributions to Nigeria and the international community, especially through her work in education, administration, banking and community service.

Tinubu said Ogunbiyi’s career reflected discipline, service and a deep commitment to personal development.

According to him, she first built a strong foundation in the English Language and educational administration before later moving into the banking sector, where she also made her mark.

Tinubu noted that Ogunbiyi’s professional path cut across teaching, university administration, human resources management and business.

He said, “Armed with a first degree from Ibadan and a Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision, Mrs Ogunbiyi taught English and Social Studies at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State; Lane Middle School, Bedford, New York, United States; and the United Nations International School, New York.

“She spent 10 years at the University of Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where she served as the Chief Personnel and Administrative Officer across various faculties.

“Mrs Ogunbiyi later worked for several years as Senior Manager at NAL Merchant Bank in Lagos, retiring in 1996 as Human Resources Manager. She also served as Deputy Managing Director at Signal Health Nigeria Limited, a privately owned pharmaceutical company, from 1996 to 2001.”

The President said her journey showed a woman who continued to grow professionally while also remaining devoted to her family and community.

Tinubu also noted that Ogunbiyi’s strict Christian background prepared her for a life of faith, discipline and community service.

He said her role as Iyalode of Remoland placed her in a distinguished line of women leaders, adding that she succeeded the late Chief HID Awolowo, wife of the late nationalist and former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The President stated, “As Iyalode of Remoland, Mrs Ogunbiyi succeeded the late Chief HID Awolowo, wife of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Her remarkable life journey shows that despite her over half a century of devotion to her husband and home, she did not stop fortifying herself with academic qualifications, both at home and abroad.

“As her husband was recording remarkable strides in academics and later in journalism and book publishing, Mrs Ogunbiyi was also building a distinctive career, first as a local and international teacher, university administrator, and manpower manager at NAL Merchant Bank, and later as a wine merchant after retirement, with membership in professional associations and as an avid golfer.”

Tinubu said Ogunbiyi’s life remained an example of quiet achievement, family devotion and public service.

He wished her many more years of good health and happiness as she celebrates the milestone with her husband, family, friends and well-wishers.

The President also prayed that Ogunbiyi would continue to enjoy strength, peace and fulfilment in the years ahead.