Joseph Iyaji News ,Culture: Historical and Cultural News

African American of Yoruba Descent Honoured with Royal Chieftaincy Title in Ikorodu

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

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At a colourful ceremony on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the ancient Ayangburen Palace in Ikorodu came alive as Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, conferred a royal chieftaincy title on an African American of Yoruba descent, Jon James Omobowale Olomo.

Group of individuals in traditional attire gathered at a ceremonial event, with a central figure wearing a blue garment and a crown, signifying a royal title.

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Olomo, who was installed as the Basetọ Ìpadàbọ̀ Sílẹ̀ of Ikorodu, traced his lineage to the Mosene chieftaincy family, direct descendants of Prince Senlu of Imota — one of the founding houses of Ikorodu. The event coincided with the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, attracting dignitaries, traditional rulers, and widespread media attention.

A Homecoming with Historic Significance

Born in the United States, Olomo’s coronation symbolised a reconnection of the Yoruba diaspora with their ancestral homeland. Addressing guests, Oba Shotobi described the moment as historic:

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“Ikorodu has always been a welcoming community. Today, we are witnessing history as a son of the soil, though born abroad, returns home to take his place among us,” the monarch said.

Olomo, who has long championed African ancestry, is the founder of Tribal Tapestry, a DNA-based platform linking African Americans to their African tribes. He was previously honoured as a Prince of Shasha Kingdom in Alimosho, Lagos.

Building Bridges Between Diaspora and Homeland

Speaking after his installation, Olomo said his new role was not just a personal honour but a bridge between Nigeria and its diaspora.

“This honour is more than personal. It is the beginning of a cultural renaissance that brings the diaspora back home. Through Tribal Tapestry, we’re not only helping people find their tribe — we are helping Nigeria reclaim her children,” he declared.

As part of his vision, Olomo announced plans to launch several initiatives in Ikorodu, including a Diaspora Genealogist Training Programme to train locals in ancestry tracing, and Annual Homecoming Tours for diaspora visitors seeking to reconnect with their Nigerian families.

Boosting Cultural Tourism

Experts say Olomo’s efforts could strengthen Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector, positioning Ikorodu as a hub for diaspora engagement. Tribal Tapestry’s use of DNA testing, oral histories, and genealogical research has already reconnected many African Americans with their roots, and its expansion in Lagos is expected to deepen ties between Nigeria and its global descendants.

The installation of Olomo as the Basetọ Ìpadàbọ̀ Sílẹ̀ of Ikorodu marks not only a personal milestone but also a symbolic homecoming for the Yoruba diaspora — a moment many hope will inspire further reconnections across Africa.