By Adeyinka Adeniran
The ancient Oyo town came alive again on Sunday as the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi was installed as the Okanlomo of Yoruba land by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
He was installed alongside a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who was conferred with the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
The ceremony attracted eminent personalities and top political figures from across the country, who described the installation as historic and a significant step toward promoting national unity.
The colourful and culturally rich ceremony held at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo Town.
Since Saturday, the city has been witnessing an influx of political figures and traditional rulers for the installation of new high-ranking chiefs by the Alaafin.
Tinubu and his wife, Layal, arrived the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo around 1: 30PM where the installation ceremony held at the
Throughout the elaborate rites, Tinubu’s wife, Layal stood by her husband’s side, sharing in every moment of the historic occasion.
The ceremony transformed Oyo into a magnet for Nigeria’s political elite, evoking memories of the old Oyo Empire that once ruled vast swathes of the West African subregion for centuries.
Governors, ministers, lawmakers, royal fathers and presidential aides streamed into the town, turning the installation into a symbolic convergence of power, culture and history.
The dignitaries in attendance included, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun State Governor Otunba 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.
The roll call also had 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 a former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in attendance.
Others include Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu; Senator Aliyu Wamako; Minister of State for Works Mohammed Goronyo, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication Sunday Dare; and Minister of Labour and Employment Maigari Dingyadi.
Senators Tokunbo Abiru, Jimoh Ibrahim, Buba Shehu, Abdulfatai Buhari and Ede Dafinone; Leader of the Senate Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Olamilekan Adeolaamongst others also attended the event.
The event created opportunities for petty traders around the venue, while Fuji musician Saheed Osupa provided entertainment.
The event also had heavy security presence amidst the diverse assembly of political leaders, lawmakers, and traditional chiefs who witness the installation.
Dignitaries said the installation of the two eminent personalities is a focal point for Yoruba tradition and political symbolism, as the conferment of titles attested to the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary leadership.
The dignitaries in the various remarks commended the new title holders, urging them to use it to foster unity and national cohesion.
Particularly, they charged the newly installed title holders to use their positions to foster unity, promote development, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth and collective progress.
In a sideline interview, a former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel urged Tinubu to use the new office to promote unity as someone who is know for building bridges already.
Others also spoke around using the office to promote unity and develop the cou try and make the country a better place, noting that it felt as though “the entire Senate, past and present,” had descended on Oyo.
The cultural flavour of the event was unmistakable.
At the palace grounds, renowned Fuji music icon, Saheed Osupa thrilled guests with energetic performances, while Juju music legend King Sunny Ade, later took the stage at the reception held at Oliver Baptist High School grounds.
Tinubu’s “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” title translates to “the beloved child” or “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people.”
The title is said to symbolise a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage. The honour is said to depict a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage.
The Senator representing Zamfara West and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari, was also accompanied by a delegation of northern senators and political figures.
Yari, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, was conferred with the title of “Obaloyin of Yorubaland”, on the same occasion by the Alaafin.
Both titles are said to carry responsibilities that include promoting Yoruba culture, advising the Alaafin, fostering unity, and advancing education and social welfare.
Adding to the spectacle was the conspicuous presence of northern guests, reflecting Yari’s influence, alongside intermittent appearances by the iconic Eyo masquerade from Lagos, symbolising Tinubu’s Lagos roots.
Together, the blend of northern colours and Lagos pageantry underscored the national reach of the two new Yoruba title holders.
By nightfall, Oyo had once again asserted itself not just as a custodian of Yoruba tradition, but as a living theatre where Nigeria’s politics, culture and history converged in grand style.
Congratulating Tinubu on his installation, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of his rising profile, youth engagement, philanthropic efforts, and growing influence across Yorubaland.
He said, “This is not just a traditional title; it is a call to service and a recognition of leadership potential. I congratulate my dear friend, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, on his installation as the Òkanlòmọ of Yorubaland. This honour reflects his commitment to values that resonate with the Yoruba people — excellence, community, and legacy.”
The Speaker further praised the Alaafin of Oyo for preserving Yoruba heritage and upholding the cultural institution through the conferment of titles on deserving individuals.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin also called on Seyi Tinubu to use his new status to promote unity, cultural pride, youth development, and sustainable progress across Yorubaland.
