The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has expressed his desire to be addressed as the “Alaafin of Iwo,” asserting the significance of Iwo in Yoruba history and royal lineage.
Oba Akanbi made this known when he received the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akinloye Owoade, who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Iwo, Osun State.
The Oluwo noted that the visit of the Alaafin was not only a sign of mutual respect but also an extension of the age-long cordial relationship between the two ancient towns—Oyo and Iwo.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Owoade disclosed that he had called the Oluwo to congratulate him when news of his selection as Alaafin-elect broke.
He said: “I came to see Oluwo because he was at my coronation ceremony in April. Even when my name was mentioned as Alaafin-elect, Oluwo called to congratulate me. It is also good to come around to pay him a courtesy visit.”
He emphasised that the relationship between the two royal stools must be preserved and strengthened.
In his words: “Iwo and Oyo have been enjoying a good relationship for years, even with my predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and I want that relationship to continue.”
Oba Owoade, who spoke in Yoruba during the visit, reiterated the need for traditional rulers in Iwo and its environs to rally around Oluwo for the collective progress of the town.
He urged them to continue to work with the Oluwo in unity and sincerity of purpose, stressing that cooperation among monarchs was key to grassroots development.
The Alaafin further assured Oluwo of his commitment to deepening the historical ties between Oyo and Iwo, stating that both towns share a cultural bond that dates back several generations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Akinloye Owoade was officially crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
The visit of the new Alaafin to Iwo was widely seen as a gesture of royal diplomacy and a demonstration of unity among traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
Leave a Reply