The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has declared that he knows no other traditional title in Yorubaland superior to that of the Alaafin.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to his palace in Iwo, Osun State, Oluwo described the Alaafin title as the most revered among Yoruba traditional rulers.
“I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin,” Oba Akanbi said boldly during the interaction.”
“Alaafin will always be Alaafin because that is the title Oranmiyan bore, and I also wish to carry on with that lineage. In fact, henceforth, I want to be addressed as the Alaafin of Iwo, and we shall notify the government accordingly,” he added.
The visit was not only symbolic but also cemented the cordial relationship between the two historical Yoruba towns.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, the Oluwo said it was a sign of unity and mutual respect. “This visit will further boost the brotherhood and partnership between Iwo and Oyo,” he said.
Oba Akanbi also lauded the new Alaafin’s humility, noting that it would usher in peace and development for the people of Oyo.
“With your humility and wide exposure, I have no doubt that Oyo will witness a season of peace and unprecedented development,” he told Owoade.
Earlier in his remarks, the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, who was accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi, and several high-ranking chiefs, said his visit was to appreciate the Oluwo for honouring his coronation in April 2025.
“When my name was announced as the Alaafin-elect, Kabiyesi Oluwo personally called to congratulate me,” Owoade recounted.
“And when I was crowned, he came all the way to celebrate with me. So, it is only right that I pay him a visit to express my gratitude.”
The monarch further emphasized that Iwo and Oyo have shared a long-standing, warm relationship, which he hopes to maintain.
“Oyo and Iwo have been enjoying a great bond for generations. My predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had a close relationship with this town, and I am committed to keeping that bond alive,” he said, speaking in Yoruba.
He urged traditional rulers in Iwoland to work closely with the Oluwo and give him the support needed for community development.
“Let all royal fathers in Iwo rally around the Oluwo with an open mind. It is by unity and support that the town can move forward,” Alaafin stated.
It would be recalled that Oba Abimbola Owoade was crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025, succeeding the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
