Seven years after a failed bid to adopt the Caliphate signature of Emir, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, now says he wants to be identified as the Alaafin of Iwo.
He aborted the 2018 scheme to adopt the title of Emir after scathing criticisms and stiff resistance by Yoruba and Iwo indigenes who saw the move as a sell-out to the Fulani Caliphate that originated the title and uses it for Fulani monarchs.
He said he would inform the Osun State Government about his adoption of the new title.
He spoke in Iwo on Tuesday when he hosted the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, who paid him a courtesy visit.
He said he was not aware of any other traditional title in Yorubaland that is superior to that of the Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom.
Oluwo said: “I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin. Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title that Oramiyan adopted and I will also adopt the saying.
“Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alaafin of Iwo and we will inform the government about it.”
He expressed optimism that with the humility and exposure of Owoade, Oyo would witness peace and unprecedented development.
He assured that the good relationship between the Iwo and Oyo would continue to flourish.
Earlier, Alaafin Owoade, accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi and other Oyo chiefs, said his visit was to thank Oluwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.
“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.
“Iwo and Oyo have been enjoying a good relationship for years, even with my predecessor and I want that relationship to continue,” he said.
