The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yoruba land on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
The installation ceremony, held on Sunday at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo State, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries from across the country and beyond.
The title Okanlomo of Yoruba land, which translates to “the beloved child” or “one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people,” symbolises the custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage, according to the Alaafin.
Seyi Tinubu arrived at the palace accompanied by his wife, Layal, as well as associates and well-wishers. Born on October 13, 1985, he is a lawyer and entrepreneur. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.
At the same ceremony, the Alaafin also conferred the title of Obaloyin of Yoruba land on former Zamfara State Governor and current Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’Aziz Yari, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation. Senator Yari was accompanied by a delegation of northern senators and political leaders.
According to the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the titles represent love, compassion, justice, and a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. He added that the honorees are expected to promote Yoruba culture, advise the Alaafin, foster unity, and support education and social welfare initiatives.
The event was attended by several 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 traditional rulers from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Other dignitaries present included the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemo Adeniran; Senator Teslim Folarin; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.