Ayangburen Of Ikorodu Installs African American Of Yoruba Descent As Basetọ Ìpadàbọ̀ Sílẹ̀

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, has conferred a royal chieftaincy title on an African American of Yoruba ancestry who traced his roots to the Mosene lineage in Lagos State.

At a colourful ceremony on Saturday, August 16, 2025, held at the Ayangburen Palace, Jon James Omobowale Olomo was installed as the Basetọ Ìpadàbọ̀ Sílẹ̀ 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 national media attention.

Olomo, who was born in the United States, traced his lineage to the Mosene chieftaincy family — descendants of Prince Senlu of Imota, one of Ikorodu’s founding houses. Palace officials described his coronation as part of an ongoing effort to reconnect the Yoruba diaspora with their ancestral homeland.

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

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

After his installation, Olomo described the title as a cultural bridge between Nigeria and the diaspora.

“This honour is more than personal,” he said. “It marks the beginning of a cultural renaissance that reconnects the diaspora with their ancestral homes. Through Tribal Tapestry, we’re not just helping people find their tribe — we are helping Nigeria reclaim her children.”

Olomo also announced plans to launch new initiatives in Ikorodu, including a Diaspora Genealogist Training Programme to equip locals with ancestry tracing skills and an Annual Homecoming Tour to help diaspora visitors reconnect with Nigerian families.

Tribal Tapestry combines DNA testing, family records, and oral histories to reunite African Americans with their African heritage. Analysts believe such projects could strengthen cultural tourism and position Ikorodu as a key hub for diaspora engagement.