The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Sunday conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a grand ceremony held at the monarch’s palace in Oyo State.
The colourful event attracted dignitaries from across the country and beyond, as traditional rulers, political leaders and well-wishers gathered to witness what the Alaafin described as a momentous occasion in the history of Yorubaland.
Seyi Tinubu arrived at the palace in the company of his wife, Layal, alongside associates and supporters. In his address, the Alaafin explained that the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland”, which translates to “the beloved child” or “one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people,” symbolises a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, culture and heritage.
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The monarch noted that the honour carries responsibilities that include promoting Yoruba ethos, advising the Alaafin, fostering unity among the people, and supporting education and social welfare initiatives.
Born on October 13, 1985, Seyi Tinubu is a lawyer and entrepreneur. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.
In the same ceremony, the Alaafin also conferred the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland on former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’Aziz Yari, who currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation.
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According to the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Obaloyin title represents love, compassion, justice and the role of serving as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Yari was accompanied by a delegation of northern senators and prominent political figures.
The ceremony drew an impressive list of dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Sokoto State Governor Abdullahi Sokoto, 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.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemo Adeniran; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; Senator Teslim Folarin; and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.