Alaafin to install Seyi Tinubu as ‘Okanlomo of Yorubaland’ Saturday

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, is set to install Seyi, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Saturday.

The monarch on the same occasion will also install Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari representing Zamfara West as the “Obaloyin of Yorubaland”.

The chiefataincy installation of the duo was contained in a flier that was obtained by PUNCH Online on social media platforms on Wednesday.

In the flier, the monarch and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, invited the general public to the said installation and implored them to save the date of the event scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 21, 2025.

“Okanlomo of Yorubaland” is a prestigious Yoruba title meaning “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people” or “beloved child,” signifying deep affection and importance to the race.

Confirming the chieftaincy installation to our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said it is true and that the event will hold as planned.

He affirmed that the press statement for the said event would be made available to journalists any time soon.

“Yes, it is true. The Alaafin of Oyo wants to install Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland.

“The press statement on the said event would be made available today or anytime soon,” he said.

This was coming a few months after Alaafin’s counterpart, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, bestowed the title of “Okanlomo of Oodua” on an Ibadan-born philanthropist and the Bada Olubadan designate, Dotun Sanusi.

This title sparked supremacy controversy between the two respected monarchs of Yorubaland, but was quelled by the region’s stakeholders.

Recently, the Ooni also conferred the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.

Arriving at the Ooni’s palace around 1 pm amid fanfare and heightened security, Mrs Tinubu was received by the monarch and his chiefs.

The installation ceremony, held at the Palace Square, coincided with celebrations marking Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary.

The event drew a gathering of traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Yorubaland, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Sultan of Sokoto; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, alongside cultural leaders and other notable personalities.

The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua carries historical significance, having been previously held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the revered statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

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The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua carries historical significance, having been previously held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the revered statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

It is a recognition of leadership, influence, and contributions to society, particularly within the Yoruba cultural sphere.