The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, is set to install Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as the prestigious “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
On the same occasion, the monarch will also confer the title of “Obaloyin of Yorubaland” on Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, representing Zamfara West.
The chieftaincy announcement was revealed in a flier obtained by PUNCH Online on social media, in which the Alaafin and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, invited the public to attend the ceremony.
“‘Okanlomo of Yorubaland’ is a prestigious Yoruba title meaning ‘the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people’ or ‘beloved child,’” the flier explained, highlighting the significance of the honour.
Confirming the installation, the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, told our correspondent that the event will take place as scheduled and that a press statement would be released soon.
“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. The press statement will be made available shortly,” Durojaiye said.
This comes a few months after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, conferred the title of “Okanlomo of Oodua” on philanthropist and Bada Olubadan designate, Dotun Sanusi, an event that sparked discussions about chieftaincy supremacy in Yorubaland but was later settled by regional stakeholders.
Recently, the Ooni also bestowed the title of “Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua” on First Lady Remi Tinubu. The ceremony, held at the Ooni’s palace during his 10th coronation anniversary, was attended by traditional rulers and dignitaries, including the Olu of Warri, Sultan of Sokoto, and Soun of Ogbomoso.
The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua carries historical significance, having previously been held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the revered statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and recognises leadership, influence, and contributions to society, particularly within the Yoruba cultural sphere.
