By Thomas Abidoye, Osun
Popular Nigerian social media influencer and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of Atayese of Yorubaland by the Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I.
The honour was conferred on Wednesday during VeryDarkMan’s visit to the monarch’s palace in Iwo, Osun State.
A video shared on the Oluwo’s official Facebook page captured the moment the activist was dressed in traditional Yoruba attire before the monarch formally decorated and presented him as the Atayese of Yorubaland in the presence of palace chiefs and other dignitaries.
The development comes barely days after AMILOADED reported that the Oluwo had officially invited VeryDarkMan to Iwo following a lengthy discussion between both men on national issues.
The monarch had explained that the meeting was aimed at discussing national cohesion, security, good governance, collective identity and other issues affecting Nigeria.
The conferment has since generated mixed reactions on social media, with many users congratulating the activist, while others debated the scope and description of the traditional title.
Reacting in the comment section of the Oluwo’s Facebook post, one user, Ibrahim Olawale Kazeem Eleshin, wrote, “Of Yoruba land… Alafin is coming for you Sir.”
Another user, Jimmy Lizzy, said, “The recognition of his selfless effort is highly commendable and the honour is laudable. I just hope those fighting for supremacy and claiming all ‘Yorubaland’ chieftaincy titles will not raise eyebrow with legal tussle again.”
Several other commenters congratulated VeryDarkMan, while some suggested the title should be described as “Atayese of Iwo Land” rather than “Atayese of Yorubaland.”
The latest development has further fueled conversations online about the significance of the honour and the growing relationship between the monarch and the social media activist.
Watch the video below:
See the reactions below
