The Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has conferred the traditional title of Atayese of Yorubaland on social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The honour was bestowed during VeryDarkMan’s visit to the Oluwo’s Palace in Iwo, Osun State, on Wednesday. As part of the ceremony, the monarch also dressed the activist in traditional Yoruba attire.

Addressing his guest during the visit, the Oluwo described Iwo as a peaceful town that welcomes people from every background.

The monarch said anyone who chooses to live in Iwo would receive the same love and care he gives to his own children.

He also stated that Iwo remains the only town where residents favour the monarchy system of government above every other form of governance.

The recognition comes about three months after VeryDarkMan announced a temporary break from all social media platforms.

The social media commentator disclosed the decision in a video shared on his Instagram page, saying he stepped away following allegations that his online activities were distracting Nigerian youths from demanding accountability from the government.

“Because of the allegations and accusations that it is my posts that have been distracting the Nigerian youths from holding the government accountable, I have decided to not post again on social media during this period,” he said.

He also called on influencers, celebrities, and activists to step into the space during his absence.

“I would expect all influencers and celebrities and activists to use this opportunity to take over, let’s watch and see.”

Explaining further in Pidgin, he stressed that he would completely step back from all platforms.

“I’ve made my decision that from today I am not going to be making any post on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube everywhere.

“I am going to leave you people, I am going to give you people time. That’s why I am not going to be posting.

“All the protest you want to do, everything that you want to do to hold the government accountable, VeryDarkMan is going to be taking a back stage,” he added. (Nigerian Tribune)

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