By Deborah Nnamdi
The ancient city of Oyo came alive on Sunday as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, conferred prestigious chieftaincy titles on Seyi Tinubu and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari in a colourful ceremony at the monarch’s palace.
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, was installed as the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” a title loosely translated as “the beloved child” or “one dear to the hearts of the Yoruba people.” The title is said to symbolise the promotion of Yoruba values, unity and cultural heritage. Tinubu, a lawyer and entrepreneur, arrived at the palace with his wife, Layal, to a warm reception from traditional chiefs and guests.
Also honoured was Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, who represents Zamfara West and chairs the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation. He was conferred with the title of “Obaloyin of Yorubaland,” which, according to the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, embodies love, compassion, justice and the role of a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, was accompanied by a delegation of northern senators and political leaders.
The titles, palace sources said, carry responsibilities including the promotion of Yoruba culture, advising the Alaafin, fostering unity among communities, and supporting education and social welfare initiatives.
The ceremony attracted a large gathering of dignitaries from across the country and beyond, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, 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, Chief 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.
Beyond the formal rites, the event boosted commercial activity around the palace, with petty traders recording brisk business, while Fuji musician Saheed Osupa entertained guests. Videos circulating on social media captured the festive atmosphere, highlighting the blend of tradition, politics and culture.
The Alaafin’s palace, steeped in centuries of history, once again served as a focal point of Yoruba tradition and political symbolism, as the conferment of titles on Tinubu and Yari underscored the enduring link between cultural heritage and contemporary leadership in Nigeria.
