Alaafin of Oyo visits Oluwo of Iwo, seeks stronger ties between kingdoms

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, at his palace in Iwo, emphasizing the need to sustain and deepen the longstanding relationship between Oyo and Iwo.

Oba Owoade, who was accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi, and other palace chiefs, said the visit was to personally express gratitude to the Oluwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.

Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch highlighted the historic ties between Oyo and Iwo, adding that he is committed to maintaining the cordial relationship that existed during the reign of his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

He said, “I came to see the Oluwo because he was at my coronation ceremony in April. Even when my name was mentioned as Alaafin-elect, the Oluwo called to congratulate me. It is only proper to pay him a courtesy visit.

“Iwo and Oyo have enjoyed a strong relationship for years, even during my predecessor’s reign, and I want that relationship to continue.”

Oba Owoade also urged other traditional rulers in Iwo to continue working with the Oluwo for the development of the town.

In response, Oba Akanbi expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as a gesture that would further strengthen the bond between the two royal institutions.

The Oluwo, who described the Alaafin title as supreme among traditional titles in Yorubaland, said the title is original to the descendants of Oduduwa. “I don’t know of any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to Alaafin. The Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title Oranmiyan adopted, and I will also adopt the same,” he added.