Seyi Tinubu, patron of the City Boy Movement, has been conferred with the traditional title of Dan Zaki Gwandu by the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, during a ceremony at the historic Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The turbaning ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Kebbi State alongside leaders and members of the City Boy Movement.
The title, which translates to “Son of the Lion of Gwandu,” was described by the Emir as a historic honour and the first of its kind in the history of the Gwandu Emirate.
The ceremony brought together traditional titleholders, government officials, members of the movement and other dignitaries, highlighting the relationship between the emirate and the visiting delegation.
Emir Explains Significance of the Title
While conferring the title, Emir Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar said the recognition reflected courage, strength and leadership. He also acknowledged the contributions of Seyi Tinubu and his involvement in youth development and empowerment initiatives.
The Emir prayed for the success of the City Boy Movement and encouraged young Nigerians to remain united and committed to the development of the country.
In his response, Seyi Tinubu thanked the Emir and the people of Gwandu for the recognition, describing the title as a responsibility and an opportunity to serve Kebbi State and Nigeria.
He also pledged the movement’s readiness to work with traditional institutions to promote peace, unity and youth development.
City Boy Movement Empowers More Than 2,000 Traders
The traditional ceremony followed a series of engagements by the City Boy Movement in Kebbi State, including an empowerment programme for more than 2,000 small-scale business owners in Birnin Kebbi.
The beneficiaries reportedly included petty traders, women and young entrepreneurs operating small businesses. The cash grants were intended to provide financial support for business activities and help recipients strengthen their livelihoods.
Seyi Tinubu said the movement would continue to work with the Kebbi State Government to promote youth development and introduce further empowerment initiatives.
However, the amount distributed to individual beneficiaries was not disclosed, and the grants were presented as an initiative of the City Boy Movement rather than a formal government funding scheme.
The delegation was led by the movement’s National Director-General, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, and included its North-West Director, Bashar Aliyu Buhari, alongside other members.
Governor Nasir Idris Receives Delegation
Before the turbaning ceremony, Seyi Tinubu and members of the movement visited the Kebbi State Government House, where Governor Nasir Idris received the delegation.
The visit formed part of the movement’s engagement with traditional institutions, political stakeholders and young people in the state.
The Governor welcomed the delegation and expressed support for its activities. The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss youth mobilisation, community development and the movement’s activities in Kebbi.
The City Boy Movement has been involved in political mobilisation and empowerment activities across different states, with a stated focus on promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ideals and policies.
President Tinubu Congratulates His Son
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated his son following the conferment of the traditional title, describing the honour as a reflection of friendship, mutual respect and unity among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked the Emir and the Gwandu Emirate Council for recognising Seyi Tinubu.
He also acknowledged his son’s involvement in youth engagement, community development and empowerment initiatives, particularly through the City Boy Movement.
The President urged him to regard the title as a responsibility rather than merely a personal recognition, encouraging him to demonstrate humility, leadership and commitment to public service.
He further called on Seyi to use the honour as motivation to deepen his involvement in youth development, peaceful coexistence and service to the country.
Gwandu Emirate’s Place in Nigerian History
The Gwandu Emirate holds an important place in the history of northern Nigeria. It traces its origins to the Sokoto Caliphate and is associated with Sheikh Abdullahi dan Fodio, the brother of the Caliphate’s founder, Usman dan Fodio.
The Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi, where the title was conferred, reflects this historical connection and remains an important centre of traditional authority.
Traditional titles in Nigeria often recognise contributions to community development, leadership, cultural relations and other areas of public life. They also provide opportunities for traditional institutions to strengthen relationships with individuals and organisations beyond their immediate communities.
For Seyi Tinubu, the Dan Zaki Gwandu title adds to his previous traditional recognition. He was installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, in December 2025.
Traditional Recognition and Youth Engagement
The conferment of Dan Zaki Gwandu places Seyi Tinubu at the centre of another significant engagement between a traditional institution and the City Boy Movement.
Beyond the ceremonial recognition, the visit featured discussions and activities connected to youth development, business empowerment and political mobilisation.
The Emir’s call for unity and the movement’s pledge to work with traditional institutions highlight the importance of community engagement in promoting social development.
As the City Boy Movement continues its activities across the country, its ability to translate empowerment announcements and youth engagement into sustained, measurable benefits will remain important to its public impact.
Ultimately, the honour represents a new traditional recognition for Seyi Tinubu and strengthens the relationship established during the movement’s visit to the Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi State.
About The Author
