By Hussaini Yero The former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Alhaji Abdulazi...
By Hussaini Yero
The former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto), will on Sunday, December 21, 2025, be crowned Obaloyin of Yorubaland by His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade Ambimbola I.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the coronation ceremony and Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande Wisdom. According to the statement, Senator Yari will be installed alongside Barrister Seyi Tinubu, who is to receive the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
Hon. Olawande explained that the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland is a prestigious military command title, symbolizing the guardian and defender of the realm. He noted that it is an Eso Class chieftaincy title, ranking second only to the Oyo Mesi, the Supreme Council of Kingmakers in the Oyo Empire.
He further stated that the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland, bestowed on Barrister Seyi Tinubu, signifies a unique and cherished child held dear by the people. The conferment of both titles, he said, was in recognition of the recipients’ abilities and contributions toward fostering cultural harmony and building bridges across Nigeria’s diverse society.
Founded in the 1300s by Prince Oranmiyan, a direct descendant of Oduduwa, the ancestral progenitor of the Yoruba people, the Oyo Empire has remained steadfast in upholding its rich traditions, particularly in recognizing excellence among individuals who contribute positively to its heritage and society.
Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, who also holds the title of Baba Isale of the Ikorodu Kingdom, is a grandson of the sixth Ƙayaye of the Mafara Emirate in Zamfara State, Ƙayaye Ali Mayaƙi, son of the second Ƙayaye, Bawa Na’Akke bn Ƙayaye Gurma. The first Ƙayaye, Gurma, reigned from 1789 to 1809. Senator Yari was born to the 11th Ƙayaye of Mafara, Alhaji Abubakar Yari, who ruled from 2002 to 2008.
The revered title of Ƙayaye in the Mafara Emirate—founded over 800 years ago by the Zamfarawa clan—is reserved for descendants of Malam Gurma, the commander of the Emirate’s military forces who played a pivotal role in its establishment and sustenance.
The coronation ceremony is scheduled to take place at the palace of His Imperial Majesty, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, in Oyo Town, Oyo State, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, by 10:00 a.m.
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