The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, will on Saturday install Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

On the same occasion, the monarch will also confer the chieftaincy title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland on Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District.

Details of the twin installations were contained in a flier circulated on social media and obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday. The flier showed that the Alaafin and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, invited members of the public to witness the ceremony scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2025.

The title Okanlomo of Yorubaland is regarded as a prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy, loosely translated as “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people” or “a beloved child,” symbolising affection, loyalty and importance to the Yoruba race.

Confirming the development in a telephone interview, the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said the installation would take place as scheduled.

“Yes, it is true. The Alaafin of Oyo will install Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland. A press statement on the event will be made available to journalists today or anytime soon,” Durojaiye said.

The development comes months after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, conferred the title of Okanlomo of Oodua on Ibadan-born philanthropist and Bada Olubadan-designate, Dotun Sanusi. That installation had sparked a brief supremacy controversy between the two foremost Yoruba monarchs before it was resolved by regional stakeholders.

More recently, the Ooni also bestowed the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Mrs Tinubu arrived at the Ooni’s Palace amid fanfare and heightened security and was received by the monarch and his chiefs. The ceremony, held at the Palace Square, coincided with activities marking Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary.

The event attracted an array of traditional rulers and dignitaries from across the country, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Sultan of Sokoto; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, alongside other cultural leaders and prominent personalities.

The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua carries historical significance, having previously been held by the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It symbolises leadership, influence and service to society within the Yoruba cultural sphere.