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Tag: Oluwo

  • Outrage as Oluwo beats up another monarch during peace meeting in AIG’s office

    Pandemonium broke out at the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 11, Osogbo, Osun State, on Friday when the controversial monarch, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdrosheed Akanbi, allegedly beat up another monarch, Agbowu of Ogbagbaa, Oba Dhirulahi Akinropo.

    The incident occurred during peace meeting to resolve a land tussle among royal fathers within the Iwo axis, where the AIG Bashir Makama had summoned the royal fathers.

    It was gathered that during the meeting where other monarchs, top police, and government officers were present, that Oba Akanbi allegedly rose up from his seat and descended on Oba Dhirulahi Akinropo, Agbowu of Ogbaagbaa town, inflicting injury on him.

    Speaking to journalists on behalf of other monarchs at the General Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, where the assaulted monarch was receiving treatment, the Olu of Ile-ogbo, Oba Agbaje Adetoyese, said that the development came as a rude shock to the people at the meeting.

    He said such act was strange and alien to the tenets of the traditional institutions in Yoruba land.

    He also called on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to caution Oluwo to avoid a break down of law and order in the area, adding that the Oluwo was threatening other monarchs at the meeting even after the unfortunate incident.

    He said: “This is indeed bestial conduct that is highly unbecoming of an ordinary individual, let alone a royal father. How could a monarch of Oluwo status descend so low to the level of physically assaulting another king in the presence of AIG; this is strange, to say the least.

    ” He just stood up from where he was sitting without any provocation and started beating a revered monarch from Ogbaagba, it was the AIG himself that rescued the monarch from him.

    “We are calling on Governor Oyetola to quickly suspend Oluwo with immediate effect, keeping him on that throne portends great danger to other kings and the state at large”.

  • Insecurity: Collaborate with NASS to enact law fast tracking trial, execution of culpable kidnappers, Oluwo tells Buhari in open letter

    The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has written an open letter to President Mohammad Buhari over security challenges facing the nation.
    In the letter released to the press, the first class monarch said he was compelled to write Mr. President because of the fragile moment and a threat to the nation’s peace and unity.
    The Oluwo said: “I rarely write, not because of what or how but as a proactive father, I love actions. But for the purpose of Nigerians, my race and my promising subjects, I chose to communicate this solution based epistle for two things – to avert journey of no return (war) and kill negative ambitions with alternative means.
    “The recent security threat emanating from incessant kidnapping by bad elements or alleged Fulani herdsmen most especially in the south western Nigeria is not without general knowledge. Many brainstorming sessions have been conducted by stakeholders.
    “Just three days ago, I was with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Osun State Government House, Osogbo, Osun State addressing the same burning issue. I’ve suggested both long term and short term solutions for policy makers attention. One of those suggestions was adopted by some State Assemblies recently.
    “I met Nigeria as Nigeria. There were hurdles but our fathers managed themselves despite diverse ethnic background. As a pragmatic leader, I’m hopeful you are on toe to run peacefully.
    “Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be attained through understanding.” Ralph Waldo Emerson says Education is a tool to peace though it does not guarantees peace. Understanding is the primary key to peace. Had Yugoslavia, Liberia, Sierra Leone knew this, may be they would have avoided blood bath. I was caught up in the Liberia war and even fought along Charles Taylor as a rebel on the NPFL, the havoc wrecked all.
    “War knows no status, age, influence, identity. Mano and Gio tirelessly committed atrocities against the Kru tribe, the whole nation was tore a day to Christmas celebration (December 24th, 1989) led by National Patriotic Front of Nigeria under the watch of Charles Taylor. It consumed over 250,000 souls including leaders despite plea for dare lives. Majority paid the debt they didn’t owe. War is an enemy of identity. War turns the rich to beggars and something to nothing.
    “I’ve seen many survivors of war including Professors, Doctors, Ministers, and even kings lining up with plates begging for food. Human eating human during war. Nothing except your cloth is yours in a war zone, provided not naked at the point of attack. Is this what some are drumming? Who will pray to line up begging for food? Do this people know about war in 21st century?
    “As a responsible father, I will never go with bloodshed. No father will pray to loose his children. No father will want to be childless and turn barren at menopause. No one will prefer turning a beggar in the land of hope. There is an understandable way of killing a rat without shedding blood. We shouldn’t forget in haste event have overtaking Voodoos and traditional war instruments. A fighter jet can destroy thousands in jiffy. Mr. President, I say no to war. War is older than us all. ‘Òkun ki o ruru, kawa ruru’ meaning you don’t fuel a burning fire.
    “Mr. President, I want to urge you, call every opinion leaders to order to stage a caution of their utterances at this moment. If you can’t be peace we want, don’t be agent of chaos.”
    According to the royal fathers, there are short and long term solutions to the nation’s insecurity.
    He continued: “In my own assessment your excellency, the solutions to the trauma are two – Short term and long term. My domain is the highest host of the Fulanis in Osun State. Before the escalation of the kidnapping menace, I’ve visited the Fulanis in my domain mandating formal education and threatened to arrest parents of teen children rearing cattle during school hours.
    “They obliged although not completely. Recently, Seriki Fulani brought one their children who graduated from university to my palace. Understanding is key while education is the door to peace. I want to appeal to your excellency to assent a legislation that will compel education for children and enact strict punishment for parents refusing to educate their children.
    “Priority can be placed on the Fulanis with preferential monitoring of nomadic settlements. This option will secure their future to be engineers, pilots, doctors, professors, kings, bankers , ambassadors etc and not kidnappers.
    “Additionally, growth is gradual. Our security should go digital. If not now, who else is our Messiah? Nigeria security should be strengthened. The boost can optionally be assured through mandatory and timely provision of electronic national identity card for everyone on Nigeria soil such that the security force can accost and demand for identification anywhere anytime. With digital ID card, the security can track suspicious members of the society.
    “Your excellency, as a short term mechanism, kidnapping cases should be given accelerated hearing with death as penalty for culpable kidnappers. The famous Ralph Waldo Emerson was remembered quoting that “there are five enemies to peace: ambition, avarice, anger, pride and envy.” Enacting such severe law will dissociate perpetrators from the five enemies of peace. We can’t continue cold handling and expect cold retort. Kidnappers are killers. If caught, they should have a taste of their intention.
    “Your Excellency, I want to appeal for quick response to enact a law in collaboration with the national assembly for quick trial and execution of culpable kidnappers. There is no justifiable excuse for injustice. Injustice is only justified when matching penalty is meted. The change is in action. Let two, three to four culpable kidnappers taste death, then, we will breath air of peace. Peace is not only better than war, but infinitely more arduous, according to George Bernard Shaw.
    “Additionally, there should a special federal government sponsored enlightenment program for herdsmen to halt farm attacks. I have done it in the past. I tutored Fulanis in my area on ranch and provision of hay. You walk your cattle miles to feed them. Acquired nutrients almost used while covering miles walking them back home. Even in the course of covering miles of journey in the bush, there are many dangers. The federal government should legislate advanced training on cattle raising as obtainable in developed nations. Construct ranch in your personal land, and feed them with hay. Hay is the best food for the cattle. There is little nutrient in silage. Formal learning should be made compulsory for herdsmen while government can as well sponsor them overseas for training on ranching.
    “In a final note, let me state it unequivocally that Nigeria is indivisible. The only voodoo to war is peace not traditional concoctions in digital age. We are on the part of greatness. We must not for once be drunk with deception of war. Mr. President, my words are given for your attention. Nigeria is yours and mine. While I pray for wisdom greater than that of Solomon to constructively pilot Nigeria, do accept the assurances of traditional rulers support at effecting solutions mentioned and conduct Nigeria’s affairs.”

  • Osun monarch explains why he wants ‘Emir of Iwo’ title

    The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun state, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has clarified that he did not adopt the title of “Emir of Yorubaland” and could only be called Emir by “Hausas and ardent Muslims”.

    The monarch had reportedly said he adopted the Emir title, which is peculiar to the North in place of Oba, a title connected with the south, because northern Emirs “do not begrudge themselves like Yoruba Obas”.

    He has also been seen in the traditional northern regalia, which he says is “appropriate” for him.

    However, in a statement released on Sunday by Akanbi’s media aide, Ali Ibrahim, he clarified that he could be referred to as an Emir to “integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity.”

    He asked if he could stop people from addressing him as Emir if they chose to.

    The statement reads, “Oluwo has never adopted the Emir title; he only said he could also be called an Emir by the Hausas and ardent Muslims.

    “Oba Akanbi is an Oba for the nation, with special attachment to the Yorubas. He promotes Yoruba culture to the admiration of many youths.

    “Just because of Oluwo dress code today, many children are attracted to Yoruba culture of wearing aso ofi.

    “I said so (reference to being an emir) to integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity. All working tools are available for the integration and unity of our dear country.

    “I’ve visited the north several times. Core Hausa hardly pronounce Yoruba words correctly. They call me emir when I am with them. Is there anything wrong in answering to such?

    “Even, the Hausa in Iwo here call me emir. Will I stop them from addressing me as such?” the monarch asked.

  • Biafra: I’ll meet Nnamdi Kanu, other traditional rulers to resolve crisis – Oluwo

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, on Friday said as the father of all Nigerians, he is ready to play his role by meeting with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, and other agitation groups to address some of their demands and restore peace in the troubled region.

    The monarch spoke on Friday public lecture and conferment of the Distinguished Service Award on the Chairman of the Oyo State Chapter, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Wunmi Faniran. condemned the spate of violence in the South-East as a result of IPOB agitation, saying that it was vital for parties involved to put the lives of the people and the nation first.

    The Oluwo condemned the spate of violence in the South-East as a result of IPOB agitation, insisting that it was vital for parties involved to put the lives of the people and the nation first.

    The monarch who once said President Muhammadu Buhari was his son said it was unfortunate that the regional crisis was coming at a time the country was blessed with a “competent President (Muhammadu Buhari)” who was ready to fight corruption that had placed the country backward for many years.

    In his words: “As a father of all Nigerians, I’m visiting the Southeast soon to mediate for the sustenance of ‘one Nigeria’ because when elders are in the market, a child’s head shouldn’t drop. I will personally meet the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and some notable traditional rulers and I’m optimistic it (the meeting) will yield peace. It is unfortunate the (IPOB) threat came at a time we have a serious government ready to fight the genocidal disease (corruption) killing this nation. It must be addressed.”

    “The best the agitators should be doing is praying for this government and (making) not secession threat. The country has been in mess owing to maladministration. Such has promoted the proliferation of militant syndicates in Nigeria. If the government is responsible, the spate of insurgencies will be decimated.”

  • ‘Buhari is my son, I can bear his sickness’ – Oluwo of Iwo

    …Says

    President must complete eight years tenure

    #ResumeorResign protesters are not sane

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adbulrahsheed Akanbi, on Thursday said he was willing to bear President Muhammadu Buhari’s sickness for him because he (Buhari) is his (Oluwo) son.

    The Oluwo said this when he presided over a special prayer session organised for the president by Muslims, Christians and traditionalists at his palace in the town.

    While addressing worshipers at the prayer session, the monarch said it was necessary for citizens to pray for their leaders.

    He prayed that the president would recover and be sound so he could govern the country for eight years.

    “As I have prayed for Buhari today, new life has come for him,” he prayed. “He must spend eight years in power despite all obstacles from opposition.”

    He also said he was willing to bear any sickness that is ailing the president, saying that those who love the country must love the leaders as well.

    “It is painful that those who launched that campaign of ‘Resume or Resign’ are not patriotic as they claimed,” he said.

    “They politicised the campaign which shouldn’t be. Buhari is my son and I won’t be happy when people are wishing him dead.

    “If any civil servant or police officer falls sick, will you advise them to resign? Those who are clamouring for Buhari’s resignation are not sane.

    “Nigerians don’t love those that love them but they are passionate about those that hate them.

    “All those who are wishing him dead and those who are clamouring for his resignation shall fall sick.”

    The president of Christian Association of Nigeria, Iwo, Caleb Ayoola, led the Christian prayer; the Iwo Chief Imam, Abdulfatai Olododo, led the Muslim prayers and Ojetunde Ajibowu, led traditionalists in prayers.

    The Oluwo and other traditional rulers later rose on their feet to dance as the Christians began a thanksgiving praise for the president.

    Mr. Olododo, the Imam, in his remarks, emphasised the need for religious tolerance among all religious groups.

    The CAN Chairman, read from 2Chronicles 7:14 noted that God is the utmost healer urging people in positions of authority to always show obedience to God’s directive and pray for peace and harmony in the land.

    Conducting the traditional prayers, Ojetunde Ajibowu, offered prayers for the president, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Oluwo of Iwo.

    The wife of the president, Aisha Buhari, who was represented by the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government of Oyo State, Halimot Alli, appreciated the Oluwo and Nigerians for their relentless prayers for her husband.

    She also urged them to continue their support for the present administration.

     

  • Monarchs must stop idol worshiping, throw away idols in their palaces – Oluwo

     

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, on Tuesday urged monarchs in Yoruba land to throw away idols and stop worshiping such saying God is against idolatry.

    He also advised monarchs to offer their subjects various forms of assistance and words of encouragement to give them hope especially in the present economic situation in the country.

    According to a report by The Punch, the Oluwo stated that the people would respect and honour monarchs who made positive impacts on their lives.

    The traditional ruler urged his colleagues to throw away the various idols in their palaces, saying God hates idolatry.

    Oba Akanbi believed that the palaces of monarchs must be without idols, warning traditional rulers to shun idolatry, saying God would not help any town whose monarch worshipped other gods.

    The Iwo monarch explained that people should be able to come to palaces and pray to God, saying this would not be until the monarchs rid their palaces of strange gods, which he said could not help them.

    The Oluwo stated, “Our palaces must be clean and devoid of any idol. There is authority in the mouth of any monarch who is clean and who shuns idol worshiping. Our palaces must be devoid of idols.

    “I removed the ‘Ogun Odela’ in front of my palace and asked them to take it to Ogundigba (far from the palace) because of this. This happened about two weeks ago.

    “Oba must not kneel down before anybody to pray. This is a message or a warning to all the kings and let me tell them that their palaces are the habitation of God on earth. God was dwelling with us before churches and mosques were built.”

    Oba Akanbi said the era of monarchs sitting back in their palaces and expecting their subjects to bring tributes to them was long over.

    According to him, service to the people is necessary for any monarch to be loved by his subject.

    He said Oduduwa became the greatest king in Yoruba land because of his love and service to the people, stressing that there had not been any leader like Oduduwa because kings had not been serving their people the way Oduduwa did.