The ancient city of Oyo came alive on Sunday as Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
He was installed alongside a former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’Aziz Yari, who was conferred with the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
The installation drew eminent personalities and top political figures from across the country, many of whom described the event as historic and symbolic of national unity.
The colourful ceremony, rich in Yoruba tradition and pageantry, was held at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo town.
From Saturday, Oyo witnessed an influx of political leaders and traditional rulers ahead of the installation of new high-ranking chiefs by the Alaafin.
Seyi Tinubu arrived at the palace around 1:30pm with his wife, Layal, who stood by his side throughout the elaborate rites.
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The ceremony turned Oyo into a hub for Nigeria’s political elite, evoking memories of the old Oyo Empire that once dominated large parts of West Africa.
Governors, ministers, lawmakers, royal fathers and presidential aides thronged the town, making the installation a convergence of power, culture and history.
Dignitaries at the event 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.
Also present were the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemo Adeniran; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Senator Teslim Folarin; and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Others included 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; Presidential media adviser, Sunday Dare; and Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi.
Several senators, including Tokunbo Abiru, Jimoh Ibrahim, Buba Shehu, Abdulfatai Buhari and Ede Dafinone, as well as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Olamilekan Adeola, also attended.
The event boosted economic activity around the palace, with petty traders benefiting from the large turnout, while Fuji star Saheed Osupa entertained guests.
There was heavy security at the venue, reflecting the calibre of political leaders, lawmakers and traditional chiefs in attendance.
Dignitaries said the installation of the two title holders underscored the intersection of Yoruba tradition and contemporary leadership.
They urged the new chiefs to use their positions to promote unity, development and national cohesion.
Speaking on the sidelines, former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel urged Tinubu to deploy the new office to strengthen unity, noting his reputation as a bridge-builder.
Others echoed similar views, describing the gathering as one that felt like “the entire Senate, past and present,” had converged on Oyo.
The cultural flavour was unmistakable, with Saheed Osupa thrilling guests at the palace, while Juju music icon King Sunny Ade later performed at a reception held at Olive Baptist High School grounds.
The Okanlomo of Yorubaland, translated as “the beloved child,” is regarded as a custodian of Yoruba values, unity and cultural heritage.
Senator Yari arrived with a delegation of northern lawmakers and political figures, reflecting his influence beyond the North.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Yari was conferred with the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland on the same occasion.
Both titles carry responsibilities that include advising the Alaafin, promoting culture, fostering unity, and advancing education and social welfare.
The presence of northern guests alongside intermittent appearances of the Eyo masquerade from Lagos highlighted the national reach of the two new title holders.
By nightfall, Oyo once again asserted itself as a living theatre where Nigeria’s politics, culture and history converged.
Congratulating Tinubu, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, described the honour as a recognition of his growing influence, youth engagement and philanthropy.
“This is not just a traditional title; it is a call to service and recognition of leadership potential,” Ogundoyin said, praising the Alaafin for upholding Yoruba heritage.
He urged Tinubu to use the new status to promote unity, cultural pride, youth development and sustainable progress across Yorubaland.
