By The Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has conferred the traditional chieftaincy title of Atayese of Yorubaland on popular social media activist and anti-corruption campaigner Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The honour was bestowed during VeryDarkMan’s visit to the Oluwo’s palace in Iwo, Osun State, where the monarch received the activist in a colourful ceremony attended by palace chiefs and other dignitaries.
As part of the traditional rites, the Oluwo dressed VeryDarkMan in elegant Yoruba attire, marking his formal acceptance into the chieftaincy title and his recognition within the Yoruba traditional institution.
The Atayese of Yorubaland title is regarded as recognition of VeryDarkMan’s influence and contributions to public advocacy, particularly his campaigns against corruption, social injustice, and issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
The event drew admiration from residents and supporters, with many describing the conferment as a significant moment in the activist’s growing national profile.
VeryDarkMan has gained widespread attention in recent years through his outspoken commentary on governance, accountability and social issues, earning both praise and criticism for his activism on social media. The new title adds another milestone to his public engagements, as he continues to play a prominent role in national conversations on transparency, justice, and public accountability.
Public Reaction
The conferment has drawn a range of reactions from Nigerians online.
Some questioned whether the Oluwo had the standing to confer a title covering the whole of Yorubaland. On X (formerly Twitter), user @Gbengaorukotan1 (BlackCenturion) argued that the Oluwo’s authority rests specifically in Iwo, not all of Yorubaland, warning: “This is exactly how institutions lose their prestige… Presenting a chieftaincy title as if it speaks for all Yoruba makes a mockery of the traditional stool.” User @princeAdedayorr raised a similar objection, asking whether the Oluwo speaks for “Yoruba land” at all, and adding, “I’m not against VDM but that king is very wrong.”
User @Afooo_afooo took a more critical tone toward the Oluwo himself, saying “Rashidi tí da everywhere rú,” and predicting it would “take years for Iwo to recover from the damages.”
Reactions on Facebook took a lighter turn. One commenter, Oluyi Wasiu Adekunle, joked about the trappings that come with public office and prominence, convoys, security details, and photographers, suggesting such displays are mostly associated with “unserious politicians.”
He added that people only criticize the development if they are not the ones wearing the shoes, suggesting VDM wouldn’t have judged the situation if it were a politician who moved around with a fleet of vehicles. Aneke Thaddeus Okechukwu predicted the honour would “surely give a lot of people heart attack,” while Itz Victor Kigbu Ajegener responded with a proverb, “A child that washes his hands clean will eat with elder,” implying the recognition reflects earned respect. Anthony Akinrinmade offered a more cynical take on public recognition in Nigeria more broadly, describing a culture where “anybody can attain saint hood without any tangible beginning or past.”
