Alaafin of Oyo to Install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland

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.

According to a viral invitation sighted by our correspondent, the installation ceremony is scheduled to hold in Oyo Town on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Palace Confirms Installation

A palace source confirmed the planned investiture, stating that preparations are in full swing. According to the source, the local organising committee is working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful ceremony.

Context of Recent Traditional Title Controversy

The planned installation is coming barely two weeks after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, installed prominent Ibadan businessman Prince Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo Oodua in Ile-Ife.

That development had earlier sparked controversy, as the Alaafin of Oyo publicly challenged the legitimacy of the title. Through his media aide, Bode Durojaye, the Oyo monarch reportedly issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the retraction of Sanusi’s title as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

Reactions Trail Planned Investiture

Reacting to the news of Seyi Tinubu’s forthcoming installation, the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement (South-West), Moremi Ojudu, who is also a close associate of Seyi Tinubu, shared a congratulatory message in Yoruba.

“Okanlomo mi owon. Egbon mi pataki. South-West gba alejo.”

(My dear Okanlomo. My special brother. The South-West will receive visitors.)

Growing Attention

The upcoming ceremony has continued to generate discussions across political and traditional circles, given the ongoing debate surrounding the Okanlomo title and its recognition within Yorubaland.

As preparations continue, attention is now focused on the event in Oyo Town and its implications within the broader traditional leadership landscape in the South-West.