The ancient city of Oyo became a focal point of national attention on Sunday, December 21, 2025, as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, formally conferred prestigious chieftaincy titles on Seyi Tinubu and Senator Abdul’aziz Yari.
Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu and a prominent entrepreneur, was installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland. The title, which translates to "the beloved child" or "the unique son of the land," designates him as a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage.
Accompanying the installation, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, representing Zamfara West and a former governor of Zamfara State, was conferred with the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
According to a statement from the palace, this title represents love, compassion, and justice and serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, confirmed that both titles carry significant responsibilities. These include promoting Yoruba culture, advising the monarch on regional matters, fostering unity across ethnic divides, and advancing social welfare initiatives.
The event drew a massive gathering of the Nigerian political and traditional elite. High-profile attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and various members of the Federal Executive Council.
Traditional rulers from across Nigeria and the Republic of Benin were also in attendance to witness the rites.
Seyi Tinubu, a UK-trained lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013, arrived at the palace alongside his wife, Layal. Groups such as the City Boy Movement described the honor as a reflection of his "deep connection with the people" and his commitment to youth empowerment.
The ceremony marks another chapter in the recent tradition of high-profile conferments in the region, following the Ooni of Ife’s recent installation of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as the Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
