The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, is set to bestow the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, during a ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
At the same event, the monarch will also install Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
The title Okanlomo of Yorubaland is regarded as a highly esteemed honour in Yoruba culture, loosely translated as “one cherished by the Yoruba people” or “a beloved child,” symbolising affection, prominence, and cultural significance.
Confirming the development, the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, told our correspondent in a telephone interview on Wednesday that preparations for the event were ongoing and that the installation would proceed as announced.
“Yes, it is correct. The Alaafin of Oyo will install Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland. A formal press statement will be issued shortly,” Durojaiye said.
The development comes months after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, conferred the title of Okanlomo of Oodua on Ibadan-born philanthropist and Bada Olubadan-designate, Dotun Sanusi—an action that briefly sparked a supremacy debate among Yoruba traditional institutions before intervention by key stakeholders restored calm.
In recent months, the Ooni also honoured First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua during a colourful ceremony at the Ife Palace.
Mrs Tinubu arrived at the palace amid tight security and fanfare and was received by the monarch and his chiefs at the Palace Square. The installation formed part of activities marking Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary and attracted traditional rulers and dignitaries from across the country, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua holds deep historical value, having previously been borne by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the renowned nationalist leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It is widely seen as a recognition of leadership, influence, and service within the Yoruba cultural and socio-political space.
