The Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, has conferred the traditional title of Dan Zaki Gwandu, meaning “Son of the Lion of Gwandu”, on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The turbaning ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the historic Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
The Emir described the conferment as the first of its kind in the history of the Gwandu Emirate, making Seyi Tinubu the first person to receive the traditional title.
The ceremony attracted attention because of Seyi Tinubu’s position as the son of Nigeria’s President and his involvement in youth engagement and empowerment activities, particularly through the City Boy Movement, of which he is a prominent figure.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently congratulated his son on the recognition, thanking the Emir and the Gwandu Emirate Council for the honour.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the title as more than a personal recognition, saying it represented enduring bonds of friendship, mutual respect and unity among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
The President acknowledged Seyi’s involvement in youth engagement, community development and empowerment initiatives, particularly through the City Boy Movement and other programmes supporting young Nigerians.
Expressing his personal reaction to the conferment, Tinubu said he was pleased that his son had been recognised by a traditional institution with a distinguished history.
However, he reminded Seyi that traditional honours come with responsibilities beyond the recognition itself.
According to the President, the title of Dan Zaki Gwandu carries the values of courage, leadership and service, urging his son to remain humble and dedicate himself to the well-being of others.
He further encouraged Seyi to regard the title as a call to deepen his commitment to youth development, peaceful coexistence and service to Nigeria.
The President also thanked the Emir and the people of Kebbi State for the honour, describing traditional institutions as important custodians of Nigeria’s history, culture and national unity.
The turbaning formed part of engagements by the City Boy Movement delegation in Kebbi State. The group had earlier visited the state government, where it was received by Governor Nasir Idris.
Reports on the delegation’s activities also indicated that the movement carried out an empowerment exercise for more than 2,000 small-scale traders in Birnin Kebbi. The reported initiative was part of its engagement with local communities during the visit.
Seyi Tinubu’s latest traditional recognition adds to the titles he has received from traditional institutions in different parts of the country. In December 2025, he was installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, at a ceremony in Oyo town.
The Gwandu Emirate is one of the historic traditional institutions associated with the legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate. Its historical significance is closely linked to Abdullahi dan Fodio, popularly known as Abdullahi Fodiyo, after whom the palace where the latest title was conferred is named.
The conferment of Dan Zaki Gwandu has therefore brought renewed attention to the Gwandu Emirate and its traditional institution, while the President’s message has placed emphasis on the responsibilities expected of the title’s first holder.
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