Seyi Tinubu to be Installed as Okanlomo of Yorubaland

The historic town of Oyo is set for a major traditional gathering as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, prepares to confer prestigious chieftaincy titles on Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari. According to a formal invitation and details shared on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the double installation ceremony is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, December 21, at the ancient palace in Oyo.

Seyi Tinubu, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, will be honored with the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland. In Yoruba culture, “Okanlomo” is a deeply symbolic honorific, often translated as the “beloved child” or “one who is uniquely cherished by the people.” The title signifies a high level of recognition from the traditional stool, marking the recipient as a significant figure within the Yoruba race. On the same day, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, the former Governor of Zamfara State and current representative for Zamfara West, will be installed as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland.

The Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, confirmed the authenticity of the announcement in a telephone interview, noting that preparations are already in full swing for the high-profile event. “The Alaafin will install Seyi Tinubu and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari as planned,” Durojaiye stated, adding that the palace would release an official communiqué detailing the ceremony’s schedule and guests in due course.

This ceremony marks one of the first major pan-Yoruba chieftaincy conferments under the reign of Oba Abimbola Owoade I, who was crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo earlier in April 2025. The event is expected to attract a massive turnout of the Nigerian political elite, traditional rulers from across the South-West, and business leaders. Interestingly, the move comes months after a similar title, “Okanlomo of Oodua,” was conferred by the Ooni of Ife on another prominent figure, a development that sparked a brief debate over traditional jurisdictions.

By bestowing these titles, the Alaafin continues the age-old tradition of using chieftaincy honors to build bridges across different geopolitical zones and recognize the contributions of young leaders to the social fabric of the country.