Senator Garba Musa Maidoki Joins Alaafin of Oyo to Confer Chieftaincy Titles on Former Zamfara Governor Yari.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
December 22, 2025.
The ancient city of Oyo came alive over the weekend as the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, conferred prestigious chieftaincy titles on eminent Nigerians, in a grand ceremony that blended tradition, culture and national unity.
Among the distinguished dignitaries in attendance was Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, who joined the Alaafin and other prominent traditional and political leaders to honour former Zamfara State Governor and ex-Senate President, Abdulazeez Abubakar Yari.
Senator Maidoki was part of a leading delegation of guests drawn from across the country, reflecting the national significance of the occasion.
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The ceremony was officially announced by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, who described the event as a celebration of leadership, service and inter-ethnic harmony. According to him, the conferment of the titles underscored the palace’s long-standing tradition of recognising individuals who have contributed to peace, good governance and societal development beyond their immediate communities.
Former Governor Yari was turbaned as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland, a revered title that symbolises love, compassion, justice and moral uprightness. In Yoruba cosmology, the Obaloyin is also regarded as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, a custodian of values who promotes harmony among the people.
Speaking during the ceremony, palace officials explained that the title carries significant responsibilities. The Obaloyin of Yorubaland is expected to promote and protect Yoruba culture and traditions, offer wise counsel to the Alaafin, foster unity among diverse ethnic and religious groups, and actively support initiatives in education, youth development and social welfare.
The Alaafin, in his address, emphasised that the selection of Chief Yari was based on his political experience, philanthropy and record of service at both state and national levels. He noted that traditional institutions must continue to serve as bridges of unity in a diverse nation like Nigeria.
The event turned the Oyo palace into a headline-making stage, attracting ministers, senators, serving and former governors, captains of industry, and traditional rulers from across Nigeria and even the Republic of Benin. Cultural troupes, royal drummers and praise singers added colour and pageantry to the ceremony, reminding guests of the enduring strength of Yoruba heritage.
In his remarks, Senator Garba Musa Maidoki congratulated the new title holders and praised the Alaafin for using the institution of traditional rulership to promote peace and national cohesion. He described the conferment as a powerful message that leadership and service transcend ethnic and regional boundaries.
The weekend ceremony once again reaffirmed Oyo’s historical role as a centre of culture and unity, while highlighting how traditional institutions continue to complement modern governance in shaping Nigeria’s social and moral landscape.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 22ND 2025)
