•VDM and Oba Akanbi
Popular activist and philanthropist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has added a traditional honour to his growing list of recognitions after the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, conferred on him the prestigious chieftaincy title of Atáyéṣe of Yorubaland (Atáyéṣe Oodua of Nigeria).
The colourful ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the ancient palace of the Oluwo in Iwo, Osun State, following an official invitation from the monarch, reports Saturday Independent.
Before the visit, the traditional ruler had written to the social commentator, inviting him to Iwoland to discuss possible collaboration on youth development and community empowerment.
In the invitation letter, the monarch described himself as a “digital monarch” and praised VeryDarkMan for his commitment to transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.
The letter read in part: “His Majesty has been one of the admirers of your transparency and accountability. While the Oluwo is checkmating corruption within the traditional institution, you are among those fighting corruption in government. Your revolutionary agitation through the Ratel Movement is acknowledged and deserves royal guidance.”
The traditional rulers oficially dressed VeryDarkMan in traditional Yoruba regalia and bestowed on him the title of Atáyéṣe, a Yoruba word that means “one who repairs or fixes the world.”
The title is traditionally reserved for respected leaders, peacemakers and individuals whose contributions have positively impacted society and improved the lives of others.
The honour has received widespread support online, with many social media users saying the activist deserves the recognition because of his outspoken stance against injustice, corruption and poor governance.
Speaking after paying homage to the monarch, VeryDarkMan thanked the Oluwo for the invitation, describing the visit as a memorable one.
I am happy to be here in Osun State and in the presence of Kabiyesi. I don’t think anything else would have brought me here if not for the discussion I had with Kabiyesi,” he said.
In one of the moments that caught public attention, some of his supporters began chanting his praises while he was still in the king’s presence. The activist immediately stopped them, insisting that proper respect should be given to the traditional ruler.
“You cannot be hailing me when we have the king here. It makes no sense,” he told the crowd.
The Oluwo, however, responded with a Yoruba proverb, explaining that while tradition once expected the child to remain silent when the elephant spoke, times had changed.
“Before, the child would keep quiet while the elephant spoke. But now, we want both the elephant and the child to speak,” the monarch said, drawing cheers from those present.
VeryDarkMan also pledged to support the monarch’s youth development initiatives, saying the partnership would create opportunities for young people in the community.
“Coming here will be a plus for the youths in this town. We will do our best to collaborate with the king,” he said.
A video from the ceremony has since gone viral on social media, showing the activist dancing joyfully in the beautiful Aso-Oke attire presented to him by the king as drummers entertained the crowd. Supporters repeatedly chanted, “VeryDarkMan Atáyéṣe,” as he celebrated the honour.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
