By Sodiq Yusuf
The Oluwo of Iwo in the State of Osun, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi has restated that he is the Emir of Yorubaland.
According to the traditional ruler, his decision to call himself the Emir is part of efforts to unify the nation saying using the appellation “Emir” does not change his position as an Oba in Yorubaland.
Oba Akanbi said in line with the historical background of Iwo as an Islamic town, he is empowered to wear turban as the general leader of his people as well as a father of the Yoruba race.
The monarch stated this on Tuesday while featuring on a radio programme monitored by our correspondent in Osogbo, the state capital.
“As a natural ruler and the Oba of Iwoland, I am not installed with beaded crown. I was turbaned in Islamic regalia. That makes me the leader of everyone to present my Oluwo has never adopted the Emir title. I only said I could also be called an Emir by the Hausa and ardent Muslims. I am an Oba for the nation with special attachment to the Yoruba.
“I promote Yoruba culture to the admiration of many youths. Just because of Oluwo dress code today, many children are attracted to Yoruba culture of wearing the aso ofi. I said so to integrate the Nigerian 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 called me emir when I am with them. Is there anything wrong in answering such? Even, the Hausa in Iwo here call me emir. Will I stop them from addressing me as such? No, I am a father to the nation being a first-class paramount ruler.”
On his right to install the Waziri of Yorubaland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi explained that “All the Imams of Nigeria cannot install any Waziri. The waziri belongs to the royal kingdom. Its my own invention. I am a natural paramount ruler of Yorubaland. The paramount rulers of Yorubaland are kings that have never been upgraded. Waziri is an Islamic title.
“Alaafin is a natural ruler and installs the Aare Onakakanfo of the Yoruba race, he invented it. I invented Waziri of Yorubaland. Iwo is an Islamic town. In Islamic setting, the king of Iwo is the Amir/Leader in Islam. He is the first Imam of the town and because of his tight schedule, the King appoints Imam to lead the congregation.
“The Imam is one of the subjects of the king, I am the one supposed to lead prayers in Imam. The Islamic structure is from the king downwards, the Waziri is a title of the king and not of the Imam. Has any imam appointed a Waziri in history? The traditional system is going acaque, it has to be upgraded and updated from some of the things that do not make it attractive and apologetic to the people.”
