In commemoration of his 7th year anniversary on the throne, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, yesterday launched his book titled: Code of Kings.
The event, held in Lagos, was attended by dignitaries, including Asiwaju Otun Olufi of Gbongan, Prof. Adebayo Williams.
Others were the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, former national commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Lai Olurode, veteran journalist Alhaji Liadi Tella, football star Obafemi Martins, representative of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and representative of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others.
Oba Akanbi was enthroned as the Oluwo in 2016.
Then 48-year-old Prince Akanbi, a contractor based in Canada from Gbaase Ruling House, was announced as the 16th Oluwo and a successor to Oba Ashiru Tadese, whose death was made public on February 18, 2012.
The monarch, addressing reporters, called for constitutional recognition of kings to enable them perform their functions in line with the extant law.
He expressed displeasure about the ‘relegation’ of kings and their prevention from involving in the running of affairs of government.
He said the book, Code of Kings, set the standard for kings to represent custom and tradition, noting that “kings are the representatives of God and they should not bow for any other thing.”
“So, I’m the custodian of tradition and culture. Religion starts from the palace. There is a lot in the Code of Kings. History, royal culture and tradition,” Oluwo added.
The book reviewer, Dr. Adeola Faleye, congratulated the monarch for showing interest and passion to document the book, and also for developing his people.
She said: “Code of Kings is in a class of its own. The book got me mesmerised due to array of intriguing topics. The book deserves a better and wider spread across Nigeria and the globe.
“He employs 20 chapters to communicate his mind. He has a special message in each chapter. It speaks to each issue, uniquely. It dwells into the rich history of Iwo and current status. The book is engaging.”