The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has conferred the traditional title of Atayese of Yorubaland on popular Nigerian social media activist and content creator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The conferment, which took place in Iwo, Osun State, has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria, drawing attention from traditional institutions, political observers, celebrities, and the online community.
According to the palace, the honour was bestowed in recognition of VeryDarkMan's public advocacy, outspoken stance on social justice, and his efforts to amplify issues affecting ordinary Nigerians through social media.
The ceremony attracted palace chiefs, community leaders, well-wishers, and supporters of the activist, who gathered to witness the symbolic event.
Speaking during the occasion, the Oluwo reportedly described the title as a recognition of courage, resilience, and commitment to speaking on matters of public interest.
The monarch emphasized that traditional institutions have a role to play in encouraging individuals who contribute positively to society, regardless of their profession or background.
VeryDarkMan, who has built a large following through his commentary on governance, consumer rights, social issues, and public accountability, expressed appreciation for the honour.
He described the recognition as a motivation to continue advocating for truth, justice, and the welfare of Nigerians while pledging to uphold the values associated with the title.
The conferment has sparked extensive discussions on social media, with many Nigerians congratulating the activist and describing the honour as a testament to his growing influence beyond the digital space.
Others, however, questioned the increasing trend of traditional institutions honouring social media personalities, arguing that such recognitions should be reserved for individuals with long-standing contributions to community development.
Despite differing opinions, supporters maintain that VeryDarkMan has consistently used his platform to draw attention to issues affecting citizens, expose alleged misconduct, and advocate for accountability.
Traditional titles remain an important aspect of Yoruba culture, serving as a means of recognising individuals who have made notable contributions to society, community development, philanthropy, leadership, or public service.
In recent years, Nigerian traditional rulers have increasingly honoured individuals from diverse sectors, including entertainment, business, politics, academia, and digital media, reflecting the evolving nature of influence and leadership in contemporary society.
Analysts say the latest honour demonstrates how social media personalities are becoming influential voices in national conversations, often shaping public opinion and driving civic engagement.
The development is also expected to strengthen discussions about the relationship between traditional institutions and the digital generation, particularly as online platforms continue to influence public discourse across Nigeria.
The conferment of the Atayese of Yorubaland title on VeryDarkMan reflects the growing recognition of digital advocacy and social media influence within traditional institutions.
It also highlights how activism, public engagement, and online platforms are increasingly intersecting with culture and traditional leadership, creating new pathways for civic recognition in Nigeria.
The Oluwo of Iwoland's decision to honour VeryDarkMan with the title of Atayese of Yorubaland has attracted nationwide attention and generated conversations about the evolving role of traditional institutions in recognising modern-day influencers. Whether viewed as a celebration of civic advocacy or a reflection of changing societal values, the conferment marks another significant moment in the relationship between Nigeria's traditional leadership and the digital age.