The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The colourful installation ceremony took place on Sunday in Oyo State, drawing dignitaries from across the country and beyond. Seyi Tinubu arrived at the Alaafin’s palace accompanied by his wife, Layal, alongside associates and well-wishers.
Explaining the significance of the title, the Alaafin described Okanlomo of Yorubaland as meaning “the beloved child” or “one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people.” He said the honour symbolises custodianship of Yoruba values, unity, cultural heritage, and social responsibility.
During the same ceremony, the monarch also conferred the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland on former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’Aziz Yari, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation.
According to the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the titles embody ideals of love, compassion, justice, and service to humanity, while also serving as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. He noted that the honourees are expected to promote Yoruba culture, foster unity, advise the throne, and contribute to education and social development.
Seyi Tinubu, born on October 13, 1985, is a lawyer and entrepreneur. He holds LLB and LLM degrees in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and traditional rulers from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Other dignitaries present included Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Statistician-General of the Federation Adeyemo Adeniran, Senator Teslim Folarin, and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The event underscored the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting unity, cultural continuity, and national cohesion.
