Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of Atayese of Yorubaland by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I.
The honour was reportedly bestowed during a colourful ceremony at the Oluwo’s palace in Iwo, Osun State, on Wednesday.
The activist had travelled to the ancient town following a personal invitation from the monarch, arriving at Ibadan Airport ahead of the visit alongside coordinators of his Ratel movement from the Southwest region.
In a viral video on the social media, the Oluwo personally adorned VeryDarkMan in traditional Yoruba attire (Aso Oke) before officially conferring the chieftaincy title upon him.
The event was witnessed by palace chiefs, members of the Ratel movement, and other dignitaries who had gathered for the occasion, creating an atmosphere of celebration and cultural pride.
The monarch, dressed in full traditional regalia, warmly received the activist and exchanged pleasantries with his guest while guests watched and recorded the ceremony for posterity.
Addressing his guest and members of the Ratel movement, the Oluwo described Iwo as a peaceful town that welcomes people from every background and declared his official identification with the movement, referring to himself as the “King of the Ratels.”
The monarch stated that anyone who chooses to live in Iwo would receive the same love and care he gives to his own children, emphasizing the town’s reputation for hospitality and warmth toward visitors.
The monarch urged the movement to expand its mission beyond social advocacy by embracing politics, saying that meaningful reforms and justice could only be achieved through political power.
“I want you Ratels to know there is now a king in the Ratel. I want your help to cleanse our dirty culture and remove the bad from it. Today, VDM has been chosen. Keep moving, but you should not stop yourself from politics because that is the only way you can implement your dreams so that you can even control kings,” he added.
