Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been conferred with the traditional title of Dan Zaki Gwandu, meaning ‘Son of the Lion of Gwandu’, by the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar.
The title was bestowed on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, during a traditional ceremony held at the historic Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The Emir reportedly described the conferment as the first of its kind in the history of the Gwandu Emirate.
President Tinubu has since congratulated his son on the recognition, expressing appreciation to the Emir and the Gwandu Emirate Council for the honour.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the traditional recognition as more than a personal achievement, saying it reflected friendship, mutual respect and unity among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
Tinubu also acknowledged Seyi’s involvement in youth engagement, community development and empowerment initiatives, particularly through his association with the City Boy Movement.
Reacting to the development, the President said he was pleased that his son had received recognition from a traditional institution with such a distinguished history.
However, he stressed that traditional honours come with responsibilities, urging Seyi to uphold the values of courage, leadership and service associated with the new title.
The President further advised his son to remain humble and dedicate himself to the welfare of others.
He encouraged Seyi to see the recognition as an opportunity to strengthen his commitment to youth development, peaceful coexistence and service to Nigeria.
The latest honour adds to the list of traditional titles previously conferred on the President’s son. In December 2025, Seyi was installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
Meanwhile, the development has attracted public attention, with discussions emerging over the practice of traditional rulers conferring titles on individuals connected to people in political office.
Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani, for instance, advised traditional institutions against conferring titles on serving government officials and members of their immediate families, arguing that such recognition should come after they leave public office.
Despite the differing reactions, the Presidency has urged Seyi to regard the Dan Zaki Gwandu title as a call to greater responsibility, humility and service to society.
