VeryDarkMan Receives Chieftaincy Title from Oluwo of Iwo, Strengthening His Growing National Influence

Love him.

Criticise him.

Disagree with him.

One thing is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

VeryDarkMan's influence continues to grow.

The outspoken social commentator, whose campaigns against corruption and injustice have made him one of Nigeria's most talked-about public figures, has received another major traditional honour.

On Wednesday, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, conferred on Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), the prestigious chieftaincy title of Atayese of Yorubaland during a colourful ceremony at the monarch's palace in Iwo, Osun State.

A Warm Royal Welcome

VDM arrived at the ancient palace accompanied by coordinators of his Ratel Movement from across the South-West.

Videos from the ceremony showed the activist dressed in traditional Aso Oke attire before the title was formally bestowed on him in the presence of palace chiefs, community leaders and supporters.

The colourful event quickly went viral on social media, with thousands of Nigerians sharing clips of the ceremony and debating what the honour represents.

What Does "Atayese" Mean?

The title Atayese is commonly understood to mean "The Solution."

By conferring the title on VDM, the Oluwo signalled that he sees the activist as someone contributing to society by speaking against corruption, demanding accountability and encouraging civic participation.

During the ceremony, the monarch praised Iwo as a peaceful town that welcomes people from every background and assured VDM that anyone who chooses to live there would be treated like family.

From the North to Yorubaland

This is not the first traditional honour VDM has received.

Earlier this year, he was recognised with a traditional title in Northern Nigeria, making this his second major chieftaincy honour within a relatively short period.

For many observers, the significance goes beyond the titles themselves.

It reflects how VDM's public profile has expanded beyond social media and across regional, ethnic and religious boundaries.

Whether admired or criticised, his name continues to resonate across different parts of Nigeria.

The Oluwo's Message

The Oluwo did more than present a title.

He also encouraged VDM and members of the Ratel Movement to consider participating in politics, arguing that lasting reforms often require political engagement in addition to activism.

According to the monarch, social advocacy can expose problems, but political participation provides an opportunity to implement lasting solutions.

The remarks have already sparked discussion online about whether VDM could one day play a more direct role in Nigeria's political landscape.

A Polarising Figure

Few public figures divide opinion quite like VeryDarkMan.

Supporters describe him as fearless.

They credit him with challenging powerful individuals and institutions, speaking up for ordinary Nigerians and forcing accountability in cases that might otherwise receive little attention.

Critics, however, argue that his confrontational style and public accusations sometimes generate unnecessary controversy.

Yet even many of those who disagree with his methods acknowledge one thing:

His influence is undeniable.

More Than a Social Media Personality

Traditional rulers do not confer titles casually.

Such honours are often reserved for individuals considered to have made meaningful contributions to their communities or society.

The decision by the Oluwo to honour VDM therefore carries symbolic weight.

It suggests that at least some traditional institutions view his activism as worthy of public recognition.

Whether everyone agrees with that assessment is another matter.

Nigerians React

As expected, reactions online have been mixed.

Many congratulated VDM, describing the title as recognition of his relentless advocacy for justice and accountability.

Others questioned whether controversial public figures should receive traditional honours.

The debate itself reflects VDM's unique place in Nigerian public life.

Very few personalities generate as much discussion every time they appear in the headlines.

A Growing National Profile

Receiving traditional recognition in both Northern Nigeria and Yorubaland within the same year is a remarkable development.

In a country where ethnicity and regional identity often shape public discourse, such honours suggest that VDM's message is reaching audiences across multiple regions.

Whether this translates into a greater role in civic life—or even politics—remains to be seen.

Beyond the Title

For VeryDarkMan, the chieftaincy title is more than ceremonial attire and palace photographs.

It is another sign that his journey from social media commentator to one of Nigeria's most influential public voices continues.

His supporters see validation.

His critics see controversy.

History may ultimately decide which view proves more accurate.

For now, one thing is certain.

The man who built his reputation challenging authority is now being honoured by one of Nigeria's most prominent traditional rulers.

And that is a story few could have predicted just a few years ago.