By Esther Onyegbula

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, on Sunday conferred prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy titles on two prominent Nigerians, Barrister Oluwaseyi Tinubu and Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, in a ceremony many observers described as a strong statement on national unity and excellence.

At the colourful event held at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, Tinubu, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, was installed as Òkanlòmọ of Yorubaland, while former Zamfara State governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, received the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
The ceremony attracted a wide array of dignitaries from across the country, including lawmakers, governors, ministers, traditional rulers and royal fathers from the North and South-West, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

Among those in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu; former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; and scores of serving senators and political leaders.

Speaking at the event, Olawande commended the Alaafin for using the traditional institution to promote unity and recognise service across ethnic and regional lines.

He said the installation of the two leaders was “a celebration of leadership and a powerful symbol of unity across Nigeria’s diverse communities,” adding that the honours reflected shared values of service, integrity and respect for cultural heritage.

The chieftaincy titles carry defined cultural responsibilities. The Òkanlòmọ, translated as “beloved child,” is regarded as a custodian of Yoruba values and a promoter of unity and cultural heritage, while the Obaloyin is expected to serve as an adviser to the Alaafin, promote Yoruba culture and contribute to social welfare.

In his remarks, Senator Yari, who was accompanied by a delegation of northern senators, expressed gratitude to the Alaafin and people of Oyo, describing the honour as a call to deepen unity across Nigeria’s regions. He pledged to serve as an ambassador of peace and cooperation between the North and the South.
The ceremony featured traditional rites, colourful regalia and musical performances by Fuji maestro, Saheed Osupa, and juju legend, King Sunny Ade.
Observers said the joint installation of a Yoruba entrepreneur and a northern statesman at the Alaafin’s palace reinforced the enduring role of traditional institutions in fostering national cohesion, cultural preservation and inclusive leadership in Nigeria.