Senator Oluremi Tinubu becomes the 16th First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after her husband, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared winner of the elections which took place on the 25th of February, 2023.
We take a quick look at women who served in this position post-independence.
Flora Azikiwe was the first First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She served in this capacity from October 1, 1963, to January 16th, 1966.
Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi was the wife of General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi. Her stint was short-lived after a coup took power from her husband in 1966. She remains the oldest first lady at 97.
Victoria Gowon succeeded her namesake shortly after the coup. The third lady post-independence served alongside her husband General Yakubu Gowon from 1969 – 1975.
Hafisatu Ajoke Muhammed was another first lady to have a short stint in the seat of First Lady. A position she got after her
husband General Muritala Muhammed seized power from General Yakubu Gowon on the 29th of July, 1975. She vacated the position after her husband was assassinated.
Esther Oluremi Obasanjo was the wife of General Olusegun Obasanjo, who took power after upsetting Major Dimika’s coup.
She divorced Obasanjo in 1976 and also wrote a book describing their relationship as “bitter-sweet”.
Hadiza Shagari, wife to Shehu Shagari occupied the position of First Lady from October 1st, 1979 to December 31st, 1983
Safinatu Buhari became First Lady on the 31st of December 1983, all through her husband, Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure which ended on the 27th of August 1985. She divorced her husband shortly after the coup in 1988.
Maryam Babangida was born in Asaba, on November 1st, 1948. She became First Lady on the 27th of August, 1985. A position she held till the 26th of August 1993 after her husband handed power to civilian government.
Margaret Shonekan alongside her husband Ernest Shonekan stepped into the villa on the 26th of August, 1993. Her tenure lasted only three months.
Maryam Abacha wife to General Sani Abacha was the 10th First Lady to occupy the position. A position she held from 1993 – 1998.
Fatima Lami Abubakar was First Lady when General Abdulsalami Abubakar assumed position after General Sani Abacha’s untimely death.
Stella Obasanjo was the 12th First Lady and wife to Olusegun Obasanjo. She died at age 57 while she was still serving as First Lady.
Turai Yar’adua was the wife to Umaru Yar’adua, occupied the position of the first lady in 2007, and vacated in 2010. She became the 13th.
Patience Jonathan served as First lady from the 6th of May 2010 – 29th of May, 2015.
Aisha Buhari became the first lady on the 29th of May, 2015.
