The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, is set to install Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland during a chieftaincy ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
At the same event, the monarch will also confer the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland on Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District.
Details of the ceremony were contained in an official flier obtained by Hobnob News, in which the Alaafin and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, invited members of the public to witness the installation slated for Saturday, December 21, 2025.
The title Okanlomo of Yorubaland is a highly revered Yoruba chieftaincy designation, loosely translated as “the beloved child of the Yoruba people,” symbolising affection, honour, and significance within the cultural space.
Confirming the development in a telephone conversation with Hobnob News, the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, affirmed that preparations for the ceremony were ongoing and that the event would hold as scheduled.
“Yes, it is true. The Alaafin of Oyo will install Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland. A formal press statement will be released shortly,” Durojaiye said.
The development comes months after a similar title, Okanlomo of Oodua, was conferred by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Ibadan-born philanthropist and Bada Olubadan-designate, Dotun Sanusi—an action that briefly sparked a supremacy debate among stakeholders in Yorubaland before being resolved.
More recently, the Ooni of Ife also bestowed the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during an elaborate ceremony held at the Ooni’s Palace Square in Ile-Ife.
That event coincided with celebrations marking Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary and was attended by prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries from across the country, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Sultan of Sokoto; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, among others.
The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua carries deep historical significance, having previously been held by the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the revered statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It symbolises leadership, influence, and notable contributions to society within the Yoruba cultural heritage.
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