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Tag: Oluwo

  • Oluwo urges Fed Govt to review unfair policies

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has urged the Federal Government to review policies working against Nigeria’s unity.

    The first-class monarch said government policies emphasising citizens’ states of origin, restriction of political aspirations to Nigerians’ immediate environment and many others should be discouraged.

    Dressed in Igbo garment during installation of the first Asiwaju (leader) of the Igbo Assembly in Iwo, Emeka Martins Odumegwu, at the palace square, the Oluwo said peace and unity were major ingredients for building a virile and formidable nation in Africa.

    Oba Akanbi said his unifying efforts and several discussions with his northern, Southsouth and southeastern colleagues were designed to ensure oneness in Nigeria.

    According to him, emphasis on ethnicity has done the nation much damage.

    He said: “The palace is a rallying point and a haven for every Nigerian. It does not recognise political, religious, ethnic and economic bias. Everyone, irrespective of their location, should be able to approach any palace and make his request. The palace belongs to all Nigerians, not a certain ethnic class.

    “The traditional stereotype attached to the palace must be addressed. We owe it a duty to establish the purity of our respective palaces. Doing this will convince the populace that the palace has spiritual values.

    “Unlike the mosques and churches, where Muslims and Christians have exclusive access to, the palaces should accommodate everyone – whether you are Muslims or Christians, Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo. As fathers to the nation, we are left with no alternative than to make our palaces accessible to all Nigerians and be prompt at bringing intervention to issues affecting their wellbeing.”

  • Aregbesola is the architect of modern Osun – Oluwo

    THe Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the architect of modern Osun with the level of development he has brought to the state. The monarch said Aregbesola has taken the lead among his peers in the area of infrastructure as manifested in the spate of developments the state has recorded as no governor has matched Aregbesola’s achievements in history as evident in the giant strides recorded in the state.?

    Oluwo stated this on Friday in his palace in Iwo while playing host to the Governor and his entourage who were on a goodwill visit to Iwo Federal Constituency as part of activities marking the All Progressives Congress (APC) visitation tours to the nine Federal Constituencies in the state. Oba Akanbi stressed that he is particularly pleased with the bridges constructed by the government just as he noted that the beautiful school structures put up by the Aregbesola administration are noteworthy.

    “I am not a politician and I am not being sentimental with what I am about to say, among all the governors and leaders in Nigeria, Aregbesola has redefined governance, he has brought a paradigm shift to governance in the country and he has brought a change to leadership in our land. He has shown us the way it should be done and I strongly think others should take a cue from this; I so much love Aregbesola and the All Progressives Congress because they hate what I hate and they love what I love,” he said.

    In his remarks, Governor Aregbesola described the visit as a necessity. He urged the people of the town to support the APC. “We are here to inform you on the need to buckle up and sit tight by forming a formidable frontier that will help to take our party to victory in all elections, particularly in forthcoming governorship polls. We must also see this visit as a warning signal not to allow the PDP to come back to government as we all know that PDP has nothing good to offer Nigerians”, Aregbesola added.

  • Oluwo: my multicultural conducts are for national integration, unity

    The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, has explained reasons for his multi-cultural conducts.

    He advised people not to misunderstand his motive of adorning an Islamic regalia and answering the title of Emir of Yorubaland, saying it was meant to foster unity through cultural integration.

    In a statement by his media aide, Ibraheem Alli, the monarch enjoined other traditional rulers in Yorubaland to see beyond today and work for a united country through an aggressive cultural integration.

    He advised his colleagues to challenge the old order, which he said was “characterised by stigmatisation, threat of secession and inhumane killing on a racial claim.”

    Oba Akanbi said he would continue to use all means to challenge the old order of discrimination that has continued to polarise the nation along tribal sentiment, adding that love, cultural understanding, peaceful co-existence are necessary ingredients for nation building.

    He said: “I want those criticising me for wearing an Emir costume and answering to the title of an Emir to see beyond the surface and dig deep for an understanding of my motive. I have explained that the title is not peculiar to the Northern kings. It is an Arabic word and by virtue of the position of Iwo in bringing Islam to Yorubaland with the presence of the first mosque in the ancient town in 1655, it is in order.

    “A responsible monarch is a father to all in any part of the country. Let’s forget about the tribal affiliation. Through sentiment many valuable lives of Nigerians have been wasted. Many have been killed ignorantly under the guise of discrimination, forgetting that we are all Nigerians.

    “Every king is a father to all, irrespective of their location. If you want to be father to all you should accommodate everyone and treat them equally. This will not only promote true democracy, but will also encourage the much desired national unity.

    “Discrimination has dragged us so backward politically as well. Our conventional behaviour is retrogressive. Yoruba man resident for many years in the North or the East should be able to contest in Hausa and Igboland. Nigeria’s political structure should allow political representation by Nigerians from any location once they have been residents of many years in that place. We are still in the dark age. Until my teaching is heard, I shall push my belief to the doors of all authorities.

    “Regrettably, discrimination has posed a monumental challenged to our national growth. Many lives are lost on a daily basis on this. Must it continue like this? Hence, the urgent acute need for cultural integration by the traditional institution. Every king in Nigeria should be able to relate with Nigerians irrespective of religious and ethnic affiliation. We are one. I have Fulani, Hausa and Igbo in my domain. They are all my children. I’m an Emir to the Hausa in my domain, Igwe to the Igbo and so on.”

     

  • Controversy as Oluwo adopts Emir title

    THE Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, Telu I, stoked the fire of controversy yesterday by adopting the title of an Emir.

    He officially declared himself the Emir of Yorubaland.

    Speaking at the installation and the turbaning ceremony of the first Waziri of Yorubaland, Fadhilaru Sheikh Yahquub Abdul-Baaqi Mohammed, the Oluwo, who adorned an Islamic regalia, said whoever calls him an Emir of Yoruba was in order.

    The monarch said Iwo is using the title of Waziri to announce to the world it is truly a citadel of Islamic knowledge.

    According to him, Iwo has a distinctive traditional history among the Yoruba race, adding that “these peculiarities have made Iwo to be at the forefront in Yoruba land.”

    He condemned those enagaing in cult activities, saying that any traditional submitting his authorities to any cult does not know his worth.

    He charged the leaders of the cult groups to expel kings and clerics from their midst because they don’t deserve to be called representatives of God.

    The monarch said: “The blood of Oduduwa is running in my veins. I am the Emir of the Yorubaland.

    “So far the Alaafin of Oyo has power to install Are Ona Kankafo and Iyalode of Yoruba land. I also have the power to install the Waziri of Yorubaland in accordance with the history which proves that the first monarch in Yorubaland to accept and establish Islam is Oluwo Muhammadu Lamuye.

    “Iwo Ilu Aafa is not just a saying. There is a deep history connected to it.

    “The first monarch in the entire Yoruba land that accepted and established Islam among the people was the Oluwo Mohammadu Lamuye. The first mosque in Iwo was built in 1655 and that is the first indigenous mosque in Yorubaland.”

    Continuing, he said: “Today is historic because I want to give Islam a very good structure in Yoruba land.

    “I want to use this title to announce to the world that truly Iwo is the citadel of Islamic knowledge. Iwo has a unique and distinctive traditional history among the entire Yoruba race.

    “When I came on the throne, I met a lot of problems of disunity among the Yoruba monarchs but in the North you can’t see the Emirs fighting one another.

    “The Waziri didn’t come from the Hausas nor the Fulanis but from the Islamic structure.

    “So, anybody that wants to criticise me doesn’t know the history. My action is not just taken from the surface at all but from the history.

    “We all believe that Oduduwa is the father of Yoruba. He came from Mecca and he did not come with any form of god. How will anybody believe the report that Oduduwa came from the sky through chains? Even Jesus Christ the son of God according to the Christian faith, was born by a woman.

    “Nobody is a King but God. We are only representing him. So, how will you be a king and be at the mercy of the small gods?

    “The institution of the King doesn’t allow me to bow for any other gods. As a king is in the Europe so also the Emir is the head in Mecca where Oduduwa came from.

    “In this regard I am in order. The only abomination is that there should not be any god in the palace. I have demonstrated this in the past.”

    The Oluwo, who expressed disappointment at how traditional rulers in  Yoruba race always disagree among themselves over issues that could be resolved amicably, charged them to embrace harmony and work in unison for the progress of Yoruba race.

    The monarch maintained remarkable achievements could only be recorded in the atmosphere of peace.

  • Oluwo installs Waziri of Yorubaland today

    Distinguished personalities across Nigeria, including notable Islamic scholars will today (Saturday) witness the installation of Sheik Yahqub Abdul-Baaqi as the first Waziri of Yoruba land by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I.

    Dignitaries expected at the event holding at the Oluwo’ s Place  are the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta State, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, Ameerul Hajj for Osun State, Sheikh  Dikrullah Hassan, Dr. K.K. Olosho, Alhaji Isiaq Kunle Sanni, the Chairman; Muslim Comunity in Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul-Rosheed Adiyatu, Vice Chairman; Sharia Panel of Nigeria, Alhaji Dikrullah Abdul Wahab Ogo-Oluwa.

    Others are the Chairman; Muslim Community in Osun State, Alhaji Kola Olawuyi, the Chairman; Federation of Arabic Schools in Osun State, Sheikh Waliy Adesiji. the Chairman; Iwo Muslim Community, Sheikh Idrees Fasasi Mogaji.

    In a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Ibraheem Alli, the Oluwo described the traditional rulers as the only qualified institution to bestow the title, Waziri of Yoruba Kingdom, on whoever they deem fit.

  • Oluwo among my favourite obas, says Olugbo

    Oluwo among my favourite obas, says Olugbo

    The Olugbo of Ugbo in Ondo State, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, was the guest of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRosheed Akanbi, at this year’s Iwo Day celebration on Saturday.

    Oba Akinruntan described the Oluwo as one of his favourite monarchs.

    The Ondo monarch said the Oluwo symbolises youthfulness and dynamism needed to upgrade Yoruba institution, given his knowledge and exposure to different cultures before he ascended the throne.

    Oba Akinruntan urged Iwo indigenes to cooperate with the monarch on his mission to take the town to greater heights.

    He added: “He (Oba Akanbi) needs your support now more than before. There is no way we would not have a reason to disagree on issues, but there is also a reason to bury the hatchet and move forward. I am also appealing to traditional rulers within Iwo Kingdom to work together with the Oluwo. I have since known this place as a peaceful domain. I want everybody to sustain the peaceful co-existence.”

    The Oluwo expressed his appreciation to the Olugbo for his presence on the occasion.

    The monarch hailed Oba Akinruntan for disregarding the short notice of the event and making it to Iwo.

    Oba Akanbi acknowledged the contributions of the Olugbo to knowledge in his sustained efforts to examine the past with a view to setting the records straight for posterity and future generations.

    The Oluwo said he was attracted to the Olugbo by his outspokenness on issues bordering on history and cultural evolution of the Yoruba.

  • Osun APC, Oluwo mourn

    THE Osun State All Progressives Congress and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, have commiserated with All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the loss of his son, Jide.

    The APC described the news of the Jide’s death as shocking.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, Kunle Oyatomi, the party said: “The pain, the disbelief, the sense of tragic loss were palpable in our mood as the news broke. It was the worst piece of information nobody in his/her wildest imagination expected.

    “All members of the APC in the state of Osun are in deep mourning over the death of  the young man, who must have been a great pride to his parents, his  family and Nigeria.

    Albeit, this loss is not limited to the family of our National Leader. The whole country mourns Jide’s passing because the life of one of its brilliant young ones has been cut short in his prime. We are devastated.

    “Although we mourn his death, we are resigned to the cruel fate because we know that it is not the end of life. Since Allah has allowed it, we cannot question it, for He knows best. However, our heartfelt sympathy goes to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu family. We emphatise with them over Jide’s passing, and pray that Allah gives them the strength to bear the loss.”

    Meanwhile, a condolence message by his media aide, Ibrahim Ali, the Oluwo advised Asiwaju Tinubu not to be depressed but to take solace in the support he receives from Nigerians at “this trying and unfortunate period”.

    The monarch advised Tinubu to summon courage and take a cue from the trial of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, when he lost his son, Segun.

    He said Awolowo was not deterred from serving the nation despite the death of his son.

    Oluwo said Tinubu may be bereaved but he must not forget that he is a pillar to Nigeria that must be firm, irrespective of the weather.

  • Oluwo hails Aregbesola’s govt for prudence

    Oluwo hails Aregbesola’s govt for prudence

    A first-class ruler in Osun State, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, at the weekend described Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a blessing to the people.

    The Oluwo said Aregbesola had never disappointed the people of Osun State since assuming office.

    The monarch said most of the governor’s campaign promises to the people had been fulfilled to an extent.

    Oba Adewale spoke during his 50th birthday and second year anniversary on the throne.

    The monarch hailed Aregbesola’s sense of commitment to serve God and humanity by turning around the economic fortunes of Osun State, despite the challenges in the country.

    He praised the governor’s leadership style, saying he had not disappointed residents.

    Oba Adewale said the state under Aregbesola had mustered the will to rewrite the history of the state, as manifested in the progress and development the state has witnessed in the last seven years.

    He said: “I am neither a praise singer nor a sycophant. But to say the truth, the government in Osun, led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has not disappointed us.

    “I have been following the evolution of events in his administration since I became the Oluwo …I am convinced of  the quality of his governance because I can see his legacy projects all around the state, not only in Iwo.

    “I have assessed his government and I have seen the quality of his prudence. Aregbesola is a leader par excellence. Aregbesola is a diligent and prudent manager of public resources.

    “I have tested him and I have seen in him an extreme commitment not only to turn Osun to a must-be-visited state by anyone desirous of good things but as a state that will be economically, socially and politically sustainable and self-reliant.

    “We all knew the status of our state prior to Aregbesola’s government and we also know the pace of development we have witnessed so far through the present administration. To me, these, among other things, are the testimony of good governance brought to the state.

  • Oluwo meets Olubadan as mogajis plan protest

    Oluwo meets Olubadan as mogajis plan protest

    Efforts by some Yoruba monarchs to broker peace in the crisis generated by the crowning of 21 obas by Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, have yielded some results.

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, yesterday visited the Popoyemoja palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

    The meeting was held when members of the Authentic Ibadan Mogaji said they were preparing to protest their displeasure over what they described as “verbal assault” against the Olubadan stool by Governor Ajimobi.

    Besides the crowing of the kings, which the Olubadan and some mogaji are contesting in court, the group issued a seven-day ultimatum against the governor, following his appearance on a radio programme, that he once sent one of the Olubadan’s wives on love errands.

    The ultimatum will expire on Tuesday.

    During the Sunday visit, the Oluwo, after a two-hour meeting with the Olubadan, told reporters that the efforts were aimed at finding a lasting solution to the crisis by making peace with all parties.

    Noting that the efforts will examine how the traditional system will not be trampled upon as well as the power of the government not eroded, the monarch said his interaction with the Olubadan showed that the monarch wanted peace in Ibadan and desired to be in charge of his domain as far as traditional order was concerned.

    Oba Akanbi said: “The closed-door meeting was about how to make peace between all the parties concerned. We are looking at how the traditional system will not be rubbished and at the same time how the power of the government will not be eroded.

    “We want peace in Ibadan. From my discussion with the Olubadan, he wants peace and wishes to be in charge of his domain, as far as traditional order is concerned. No matter how small the size of a town or village, the leader would not want it to be destroyed.”

    The Oluwo assured Ibadan residents that an end was in sight to the crisis.

    The monarch said both sides would need to make sacrifices to resolve the misunderstanding.

    He said: “We cannot leave everything to the monarch. He needs the support of traditional leaders to arrive at a solution. According to the constitution, which must be respected, kings are under the government. This is to elevate the Olubadan and to make him a bigger king in Yoruba land. I will always support the traditional system in Yoruba land. I will always support the kingship and for us to resolve this stalemate.

    “I don’t care what politicians will think when I am a king and visiting another king having an issue right now. A matter like this cannot be politicised. It should be on how the traditional institution and government can be respected. Ajimobi is the head of government and Olubadan is the head of traditional institution in Ibadan.

    “We will have a sweet and juicy end as both parties will have to give. Both parties will laugh at the end of this initiative. We are gradually coming to the end of it. Thank God, the Olubadan is a king who listens. He does not accept bad advice because he has principles and the governor is also a son to the Olubadan.”

    Also, spokesman of the Authentic Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Wale Oladoja, who is also the Mogaji of Akinsola compound of Oopo Labiran in Ibadan, said the group had applied for a police permit for the protest.

    Oladoja, who claimed that the group had nothing against Ajimobi, said it only wanted the governor to separate governance from traditions and customs of the people.

    He said: “Our stand on the seven-days’ ultimatum remains intact. The governor must apologise for insulting the wife of our father and Olubadan of Ibadan over his recent comment on the wife of Olubadan. No intimidation can make us change our mind. We are the bona fide sons of Ibadan and nobody can dispute that.

    “All indigenes of Ibadan know their mogajis. So, nobody can deny that we represent our families. We won’t allow unconstitutional crowning of high chiefs to obas, and baales to kings. It is custom robbery and we won’t accept that. Above all, it is not possible and we won’t accept it.

    “The governor should allow the court to decide the fate of everyone involved in the Olubadan crisis and stop verbal vituperation against the person and stool of the Olubadan.”

  • Osun bye election: Oluwo applauds INEC, security agencies

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has applauded the people of Osun West senatorial district for conducting themselves well before, during and after the last senatorial bye election in the area. He commended the electorate for not allowing violence to mar the process of the election.

    In a statement issued by his media aide, Ibrahim Alli, the traditional ruler also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and other stakeholders for the success of the election. The monarch congratulated the winner of the bye-election, Otunba Ademola Adeleke.

    Oba Akanbi also felicitated with the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal and the people of Ede land, on the victory of their illustrious son, saying the victory is for the entire Osun west senatorial district. According to the monarch, the peace that prevailed during and after the election showed that there was no victor and no vanquished.

    “What should be paramount to us all now is the development of the senatorial district. I therefore called on the people to support the Senator-elect in the interest of Osun West,” he said.