Oluwo of Iwo marks 10 years on throne, receives tributes from national leaders

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The ancient city of Iwo, Osun State, on Sunday hosted Nigeria’s political and traditional leaders as the Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, marked his 10th installation anniversary, receiving glowing tributes for his leadership, cultural revivalism and contributions to national unity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, Engr Olasunkanmi Tegbe, congratulated the monarch and described his reign as one of grace, wisdom and transformative leadership that has promoted cultural pride, strengthened religious harmony and projected Iwo positively across the country.

Tinubu noted that despite divergent opinions about the Oluwo’s style, his devotion to the progress of Iwoland remained unquestionable, adding that the monarch’s decade on the throne had ushered in deeper peace, cultural vigour and commendable development.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, praised the monarch’s national influence, describing him as a unifying figure whose engagements continue to foster integration across ethnic lines. He pledged support for a N1 billion palace project and promised to work with the Presidency to ensure the completion of an already awarded road project in the town.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Sunday Olufemi Oroniyi, hailed Oba Akanbi as “Osun’s number one patriot” and commended his early intervention in making the previously unmotorable Iwo–Osogbo road passable. He assured that the road reconstruction would be completed before the end of his first term.

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, offered prayers for the Oluwo and urged the people of Iwo to unite behind their monarch, noting that harmony was essential for the continued growth and development of the town.

In his royal address, Oba Akanbi expressed gratitude to God and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing African identity and driving the modern development of Iwoland, noting that the town had regained its prestige through deliberate reforms and cultural revitalisation.

The ceremony drew eminent personalities and traditional rulers, including Engr Olasunkanmi Tegbe; Senator Barau Jibrin; Mr Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to President Tinubu and Bairoyin of Iwoland; AIG Adeoye Adefimihan (Rtd.); members of the National Assembly; the Emir of Zazzau; the Olugbon of Ile-Igbon; the Olomuro of Moro; and scholars such as Prof Isaq Akintola and Prof Lai Olurode.