Ibadan

By Umar Idris Shuaibu The ancient town of Oyo came alive on Sunday as the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, attended the installation of Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade. The colourful ceremony, held at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo town, drew national attention, with Ganduje’s presence underscoring the political and cultural significance of the historic event. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was installed alongside former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’Aziz Yari, who was conferred with the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland. Dr. Ganduje arrived in Oyo amid rich cultural pageantry, joining other dignitaries at the historic palace where elaborate traditional rites were performed. His attendance further highlighted his continued relevance in national political and cultural engagements. Read Also: Alaafin to Install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland APC Unveils Schedule for Nationwide Congresses, National Convention Tinubu Presents N58.47trn 2026 Budget to National Assembly Since Saturday, Oyo town had witnessed a steady influx of guests ahead of the installation of high-ranking chiefs by the Alaafin, transforming the ancient city into a hub of political, cultural and traditional convergence. The ceremony featured vibrant Yoruba cultural displays, traditional music and performances, turning the palace into a theatre of history, heritage and contemporary leadership. Observers described the installation as symbolic, reflecting the intersection of tradition and modern governance, while urging the newly installed title holders to use their positions to promote unity, peace and national cohesion. The presence of Dr. Ganduje at the event was widely noted as a testament to his national outlook and sustained engagement with cultural institutions beyond his home state. The title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” which translates to “the beloved child” of the Yoruba people, is said to symbolise custodianship of Yoruba values, unity and cultural heritage.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, is set to install Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland. The installation ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Oyo town and is expected to attract traditional rulers, political leaders, business figures and other dignitaries from across the South-West. The development comes weeks after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, installed Ibadan-based businessman, Prince Dotun Sanusi, as the Okanlomo Oodua in Ile-Ife, a move that generated debates within traditional and cultural circles over the use of titles with regional or pan-Yoruba significance. The planned ceremony has also revived an earlier disagreement between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife over the authority to confer titles that extend beyond individual towns or kingdoms. Following Sanusi’s installation, the Alaafin, through his media aide, Bode Durojaye, had issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a retraction of the title. Read Also: Promotion of Tinubu’s ADC Shelved After Intervention by Retired Army Chiefs ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC Ganduje Foundation Backs BIKOBA Alumni as Jigawa Govt Leads Birnin Kudu College Renovation At the time, the Oyo monarch argued that the Ooni of Ife did not have the authority to proclaim or approve titles covering the entirety of Yorubaland, warning that such actions could create confusion within the traditional institution and undermine long-established hierarchies among Yoruba monarchs. Although the ultimatum expired without a public retraction, the disagreement has continued to spark discussions among historians, traditional leaders and members of the public. While some have called for clearer boundaries on the use of traditional titles, others see the recent installations as largely symbolic honours reflecting modern influence and philanthropy. Seyi Tinubu, a lawyer and entrepreneur, has in recent years maintained a visible presence across the South-West, particularly through youth-focused engagements, social initiatives and political mobilisation. He is also known for accompanying the President on several public and political outings. The planned installation places him among a long list of individuals who have received traditional titles from the Alaafin of Oyo, a monarch historically known for recognising figures considered to have contributed to the development, unity and cultural relevance of Yorubaland. As Oyo town prepares to host the ceremony, attention remains on how the Alaafin’s decision will shape ongoing conversations about authority, tradition and modern influence within Yorubaland’s revered royal institutions.