The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has bestowed the prestigious chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, during a traditional ceremony held on Sunday in Oyo State.
The event, which took place at the Alaafin’s palace, drew a wide array of dignitaries from across the country, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Seyi Tinubu attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Layal, as well as associates and well-wishers.
Speaking at the event, the Alaafin explained that Okanlomo of Yorubaland loosely translates to “the beloved child” or “one who is dear to the hearts of the Yoruba people.” He noted that the title symbolises responsibility for upholding Yoruba values, unity, cultural heritage and ethical conduct.
In addition to Seyi Tinubu’s installation, the monarch also conferred the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland on Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation. Yari, who represents Zamfara West in the Senate, arrived with a delegation of northern senators and political leaders.
According to the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, both titles embody ideals such as love, compassion, justice and service, while also serving as a bridge between cultural tradition and leadership. Title holders, he added, are expected to promote Yoruba culture, advise the Alaafin when necessary, foster unity and support education and social development initiatives.
Seyi Tinubu, born on October 13, 1985, is a lawyer and entrepreneur. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Law, specialising in Corporate and Commercial Law, from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.
The ceremony attracted a large turnout of prominent 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 several traditional rulers from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemo Adeniran; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; Senator Teslim Folarin; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
The event marked a blend of tradition and contemporary leadership, reinforcing the enduring role of Yoruba institutions in Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape.
