The Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has conferred the prestigious traditional title of Atayese of Yorubaland on popular social media commentator and activist, 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, on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by palace chiefs, traditional title holders and supporters of the social media personality.
As part of the ceremony, the monarch dressed the activist in traditional Yoruba attire, symbolising his acceptance into the cultural institution and the responsibilities associated with his new title.
The recognition marks another milestone in VeryDarkMan’s growing influence, not only as a social media personality but also as a public figure whose activities continue to generate nationwide attention.
Royal recognition for public advocacy
Addressing his guest during the ceremony, the Oluwo described Iwo as a peaceful community that welcomes people regardless of their ethnic, religious or social background.
According to the monarch, anyone who chooses to live in Iwo would receive the same care, protection and affection that he extends to his own children.
Oba Akanbi also stated that Iwo remains one of the few towns where residents continue to value and support the traditional institution as a vital part of governance, peacebuilding and community development.
Although the monarch did not elaborate extensively on the reasons for the honour, the conferment is widely viewed as recognition of VeryDarkMan’s visibility, courage and influence in public conversations on national issues.
Over the past few years, the activist has built a massive following through his outspoken commentary on governance, consumer protection, social justice, entertainment and celebrity affairs.
Traditional institution embraces digital influence
The conferment also reflects the increasing interaction between Nigeria’s traditional institutions and influential figures in the digital space.
In recent years, several monarchs across the country have recognised individuals who have contributed to social development, youth mobilisation, entrepreneurship and public enlightenment.
For many observers, honouring VeryDarkMan demonstrates the willingness of traditional rulers to engage personalities whose influence extends beyond conventional political and community structures.
Supporters of the activist described the recognition as an acknowledgement of his fearless approach to issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, while others viewed it as evidence of his growing acceptance across different segments of society.
Return after social media break
The honour comes approximately three months after VeryDarkMan announced that he would temporarily withdraw from all social media platforms.
At the time, he explained that persistent allegations claiming his online activities distracted Nigerian youths from holding public officials accountable influenced his decision.
According to him, stepping away from social media would allow other influencers, celebrities and activists to lead conversations on governance, accountability and national development.
He said he wanted Nigerians to determine whether public advocacy would continue even in his absence.
In a video announcing the decision, he stated that he would stop posting on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms while encouraging others to use the opportunity to sustain civic engagement.
The activist maintained that his temporary withdrawal was intended to redirect attention from personalities to national issues affecting citizens.
Growing public profile
VeryDarkMan has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most recognised digital commentators, regularly drawing national attention through his opinions on public policy, corruption allegations, consumer rights, celebrity controversies and governance.
His social media interventions have frequently sparked public debates, attracted responses from government institutions and prompted investigations into issues raised on his platforms.
While his outspoken style has earned him both supporters and critics, it has also established him as one of the country’s most influential online personalities.
The conferment of the Atayese of Yorubaland title further strengthens his public profile and reflects the growing recognition of digital influencers within traditional and cultural institutions.
As reactions continue to trail the ceremony, many observers believe the honour symbolises an evolving relationship between Nigeria’s centuries-old traditional institutions and a new generation of influential voices shaping public discourse through digital media.