The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi

  • Oluwo seeks boundary dispute resolution

    Oluwo seeks boundary dispute resolution

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, yesterday raised the alarm of a likely clash between Oyo and Osun states over unresolved boundary matters.

    He alleged that there was a plan to cede Osun State land at Iwo axis to Lagelu community in Oyo State, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set up an independent committee of enquiry to avert the looming communal clash.

    Oba Akanbi in a statement through his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, said:  “There are indicators of a compromise to cede part of Osun State in Iwo axis to Lagelu in Oyo State, a situation that may trigger another civil unrest in the affected villages.”

    He said urgent steps became necessary to avert crisis between the two states, adding: “There is a clandestine plan to steal the ancestral birth rights of the people of Iwo land.”

    The monarch said: “As a responsible father to the sons and daughters of Iwo land, I will find it extremely difficult to console the victims of cheating.

    Read Also: Oluwo appointed as Westland University chancellor

    “Last April, three people were killed by land grabbers from Offa and Lagelu. The families of the victims and residents of the affected villages in Iwo land intend to carry out a reprisal. When they came to me, I restrained them, I cautioned them to be civil by approaching a competent court of law. I assured them of an objective report from the National Boundary Commission. They listened to my advice.

    “The indicators show that all historical documents and evidence received from Osun State have been misplaced. If documents are missing, the committee has a right to call for other copies from us. The people of Iwo are the landlords of the affected villages. They have their schools, hospitals and other public facilities and voting units bearing Osun State. It will be a national treason to force them to another state.”

    Oba Akanbi appealed to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and security operatives to act fast, to prevent communal clashes.

  • Oluwo’s aide, community berate Ataoja over supremacy comment

    Oluwo’s aide, community berate Ataoja over supremacy comment

    Iwo community and Alli Ibraheem, the media aide of Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi have berated Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, over his supremacy comment.

    The Nation recalls Oba Olanipekun at a public lecture to commemorate his 15th coronation anniversary, called for reinstatement of his rightful fourth position at the Osun State Council of Obas.

    He alleged he has since been displaced by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi.

    However, Oluwo’s spokesman Alli Ibraheem expressed disappointment over Oba Olanipekun’s comment, warning that the claim cannot cause friction between Iwo and Osogbo.

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    He said:“Oluwo of Iwoland will not contend or compete with anyone. Ataoja should note that the claim to seniority is not by chair. Oluwo has respect for Osogbo because of the great men and women from Osogbo who have contributed immensely to the town.

    “Ataoja is strongly advised to seek extension unadulterated history from great men and women of Osogbo well versed in the history of Osogbo and Yoruba by extension. Oluwo is a natural paramount ruler. We have very few of such in Yorubaland who are monarchs from inception with no history of Coronet.”

    Also, Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) led by Professor Lai Olurode, said Ataoja neither adduced evidence from recent Yoruba history nor did he mobilise unassailable archival record in support of his remark described as blatant and unfair.

    He said: “We respect the Royal Office of Ataoja. Iwo and Osogbo have historical links. The two towns enjoy immense sociopolitical and economic links which continue to blossom. But without prejudice to deference to these facts, the truth must not be taken to the slaughter’s slab.

    “The truth is that Ataoja’s crown was of recent origin along with some others when the then military Governor David Jemibewon decreed them into existence in 1976. This is an indisputable historical fact. Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless and it’s from the pristine source, undiluted and authentic.

    “It is public knowledge that the current Oluwo is conversant with the ranking and hierarchy order of first class Obas in ancient and modern times. He has distinguished himself as a no nonsense Oba in Nigeria and would neither allow history to be distorted nor look the other way when the seniority list of Obas in Osun state is tampered with.”

  • Royal families defend Oluwo

    Royal families defend Oluwo

    • Give a 48-hour ultimatum to youth group

    The royal families yesterday defended the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, against allegations of exhuming remains of past kings when he assumed the throne.

    The Nation recalled that a youth group who claimed they were from royal families led by one Adedoja Osunwo alleged that Oluwo supervised the exhumation and threw away their bones.

    However, the princes and compound heads of Iwo, addressing reporters at the Oluwo’s palace, described the Osunwo-led youth group as disgruntled elements who are parading themselves as representatives of the royal family.

    Read Also: On Alaafin and Oluwo’s current camaraderie

    Speaking on behalf of the princes and compound heads, Prince Wasiu Modunle: said: “We are not unaware of a few youths parading themselves as spokespeople for Iwo princes. We state unequivocally that they have no right or recognition to do so.Their allegations against our king are frivolous and a deliberate attempt to blackmail Oba Akanbi.’’

    On the controversial claim that the remains of past Oluwos were relocated or tampered with, he explained that upon his ascension, Oba Akanbi invited royal family members to help identify the neglected graveyards of past kings.

  • Tinubu has good intentions to turn around Nigeria – Oluwo tells youths 

    Tinubu has good intentions to turn around Nigeria – Oluwo tells youths 

    • …says no protest will happen 

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has declared that President Bola Tinubu has good intentions for Nigeria and its citizens by offering himself to serve. 

    The monarch also noted that Nigeria’s problems are spiritual, tagging it as generational curses, hence, leaders would always wrestle with challenges despite their good intentions. 

    Oba Akanbi speaking in his palace on Sunday, July 21, during the reception programme to welcome him from Hajj which was organised by the Iwo Muslim community, noted that no protest would be held in Nigeria if Tinubu resign to God for help. 

    He said: “About the protest of the youths, I will advise the President to stand with God Almighty. He has good intentions. He has to stay with God and he will resolve every of our challenges.

    “It is only God that can rescue this nation. The only country that doesn’t have any issues economically is Saudi Arabia and it is because they don’t have any other God. 

    Read Also: Nigeria youth leaders hail Tinubu over minimum wage

    “There is a curse on Nigeria and this is more spiritual. People are mixing our beautiful culture and tradition with religion. So far, the president has good intentions, he must resign back to God. 

    “He has come to serve the people but God will make it easy for him. Tinubu must hold unto God, no protest will hold if he resigns to God. The president and governors must not be confused with anybody bringing rivals of God to them. No builder can build a house without God.”

    Also, the Secretary of Muslim Ummah, Southwest, Professor Musiliu Yahaya noted that the Muslim faithful will work with other religious bodies for the advancement of the country.

  • Oluwo to NLC: Let Tinubu prove himself, don’t ground Nigeria

    Oluwo to NLC: Let Tinubu prove himself, don’t ground Nigeria

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to weaponise strike action against the government of President Bola Tinubu.

    He urged NLC led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s government so that he could prove himself.

    Oluwo made the appeal during the 2023 Festival of God held at his palace where religious leaders gathered to pray for leaders of the country and praise God.

    Oluwo speaking with newsmen, said: “We know that things are tough and hard for Nigerians, but NLC should know that this present government is not the one that created this hardship and that is why Nigerians need to be patient with the government of President Bola Tinubu, let him prove himself, he has put capable hands in his government.

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    “We have seen him talking about the problems of this country eloquently, this means it is on his heart to resolve them. I trust and I believe that this present government of Bola Tinubu meant well. He has taken the bull by the horns. Many have led the country and lack the boldness to do what he did by removing the fuel subsidy. This is just a temporary hardship, subsidy is not for the poor man. No country in the world subsidizes fuel, what should be subsidised is housing and transportation.

    “NLC should be patient so that we can have a clear head to take the country forward. We are talking to the president because we are close to our people. If this government does something wrong I will be the first person to criticize the president or any governor, nobody can dethrone me, you can see that I am celebrating God who is who cannot be dethrone.”

    He added that NLC should keep the president on its toes by reminding him of his responsibilities, noting that “NLC should not strike nor ground the country but let him know that he must do the bidding of Nigerians.”

    Corroborating Oluwo, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamonsi said: “If our past leaders had been removing the fuel subsidy gradually, it would not have a harsh effect the way it does now. I have the belief that Tinubu will improve the economy of the nation and perform more than our expectations. We need to pray for him, it is not healthy to throw abuses on him.”