Social media activist and content creator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been conferred with the traditional title of Atayese of Yorubaland by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I.
The title was presented during a ceremony at the monarch’s palace in Iwo, Osun State, where VeryDarkMan and members of his team were received by the royal father.
As part of the traditional rites, the monarch dressed the activist in Yoruba traditional attire before officially conferring the title, which the palace said recognises his courage, humanitarian efforts and contributions to national conversations.
Speaking at the event, the Oluwo praised VeryDarkMan for using his platform to advocate for justice and amplify the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
The monarch also urged members of the Ratel Movement, a support group associated with the activist, to become more involved in Nigeria’s political process. According to him, national development requires the active participation of credible and courageous young people in governance.
He stressed that advocacy groups should go beyond raising awareness by taking part in shaping the country’s political future.
In his response, VeryDarkMan expressed gratitude to the Oluwo for the honour, describing the chieftaincy title as a call to greater responsibility and public service.
He pledged to remain committed to promoting justice, accountability and initiatives that improve the lives of Nigerians, while thanking the monarch for the confidence placed in him.
The conferment of the Atayese of Yorubaland title marks another milestone in VeryDarkMan’s growing influence as one of Nigeria’s prominent social commentators and activists.
