The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, is set to bestow a significant traditional title on Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu. Seyi will be installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland in a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, December 21.
Dual Honours: A Senator Also Receives Title
An invitation currently circulating on social media reveals that the event will be a double installation. Alongside Seyi Tinubu, the Alaafin will also confer the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland on Senator Abdul'Aziz Yari. Senator Yari represents the Zamfara West senatorial district and is a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The invitation, which was shared online and seen by news platforms on Wednesday, December 17, was issued by the Alaafin and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade. It calls on the public to save the date for the significant cultural event.
Context: Following the Ooni's Recent Move
This development comes just two weeks after another major chieftaincy installation in the Yoruba traditional sphere. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, recently installed Ibadan-based businessman Prince Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo of Oodua.
The near-simultaneous conferment of similar, high-profile titles by two of the most revered monarchs in Yorubaland has drawn considerable public attention and sparked conversations about tradition, politics, and influence.
Mixed Reactions Trail the Announcement
Nigerians have taken to social media to express diverse opinions on the upcoming installation of President Tinubu's son.
Some have offered congratulations and seen it as a positive affirmation of tradition. User Omooba Aderounmu Owoade praised the Alaafin, stating, "Congratulations to Seyi Tinubu. And to Alaafin, you have set the space and signal to be back as the head of Oba ile Yoruba." Another user, Oritsefemmy, expressed political support, saying, "if SP [Seyi Tinubu] contest for Lagos governor he has my vote."
However, criticism has also emerged from various quarters. Some question the timing and perceived political undertones. User Olabanjo Orolugbagbe criticized the title itself, calling it a "moniker" rather than a meaningful historical title. Others, like Gen Yusuf, were more direct, alleging, "Ooni installed the first lady. Alaafin is set to install the first son. Tactics ni. No be everything them go dey tell you," suggesting a strategic political pattern.
Further criticism targeted the presidential family's visibility, with user Ayodeji Kayode remarking, "First time a presidential family is doing all this balablue." Meanwhile, user FSZ framed the Alaafin's action as a corrective measure, noting, "Ooni wanted to overstep his jurisdiction months ago. It’s good, Alaafin called him to order," alluding to perceived rivalry or jurisdictional boundaries between the two thrones.
The installation ceremony promises to be a notable event, blending Yoruba traditional rites with contemporary national politics and attracting widespread public discourse.
