The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has urged all Yoruba sons and daughters to worship the one true God and avoid giving obeisance to deities. The monarch also emphasized the importance of respecting traditional rulers, stating that they are divinely chosen by God to lead.
Oba Akanbi made these remarks on Tuesday while welcoming the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, to his palace in Iwo.
Divine Authority of Traditional Rulers
Speaking in Yoruba, the Iwo monarch declared that God is the Alaafin and no title in Yorubaland is greater than that of the Alaafin.
"God is the Alaafin and there is no other title. There is no other title greater than that of the Alaafin. We have investigated spiritually and physically and we have discovered that no title is bigger than that of the Alaafin," he stated.
The monarch further explained that when a person becomes king, they assume a divine position. "We also found out that it is people that finally become deities. So when a person becomes king, he becomes a deity. The power of Eledumare is bigger," he said.
Oba Akanbi insisted that kingship carries authority and anyone fighting a king is fighting God. "No matter what you do or say or which name you call a king, the king is still king," he emphasized.
Grassroots Leadership
The Oluwo highlighted that the responsibilities of traditional rulers are more demanding than those of politicians in public offices because they are more direct and grassroots in nature.
"This is grassroots government. He doesn't have any other person than God and nobody must contradict that," Oba Akanbi added.
He advised those who oppose the choice of the Alaafin to seek redress through legal means.
Strengthening Inter-Community Relations
In his response, Alaafin Owoade encouraged the Oluwo to continue his good work and expressed gratitude to the people of Iwo for supporting him during his coronation.
The Alaafin called for closer cooperation between Iwo and Oyo towns, revealing that his visit was intended to strengthen the relationship that began between the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III and Oba Akanbi.
"The relationship between both towns must continue. We must not allow it to stop," he stated.
Alaafin Owoade also advised the chiefs to maintain peaceful relations with Oba Akanbi for the progress of Iwo town. "I beg you in the name of God to cooperate with the Oluwo because without it, Iwo will not progress. This is between you and the Oluwo," he said.
Professor Lai Olorode, Chairman of Iwo Board of Trustees, noted during the welcome address that traditional kingship represents a significant sacrifice. He pointed out that both monarchs had abandoned the comforts of life in Canada, where they had previously resided for years, to answer the call to serve their communities.
