Oluwo of Iwoland claims ‘imperial’ status, sparks controversy

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has sparked a fresh debate on traditional titles in Nigeria by insisting he be addressed as “His Imperial Majesty” rather than the commonly used “His Royal Majesty.”

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, Oba Akanbi defended this unusual request by highlighting the unique status of his stool in Yoruba history.

Oba Akanbi emphasized that the Iwo kingdom, unlike other Yoruba towns, has always had a monarch and never went through the historical process of promoting a Baale (local chief) to the position of Oba (king). Citing this difference, the Oluwo argued that his title should reflect the ancient and paramount status of his throne, which, according to him, commands the respect of being a direct descendant of Oduduwa, the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba people.

“The Oluwo of Iwoland is not just a royal majesty but an imperial one,” Oba Akanbi wrote. “The respect my stool commands is a reflection of Iwo’s status as a crown from inception. Unlike other stools in Yorubaland, Iwo’s stool was never upgraded from Baaleship. The Oluwo has crowned over 30 Obas, and as such, should be addressed accordingly.”

While Oba Akanbi’s decision might seem like a personal or cultural matter, it has ignited discussions on the appropriateness of the term “Imperial Majesty” in modern-day Nigeria, particularly in a constitutional democracy.

Some critics argue that such titles carry the weight of absolute rule and sovereignty, which no traditional ruler in Nigeria holds under the country’s political system.

Human rights activist Adeola Soetan previously challenged the use of “Imperial Majesty” by Nigerian monarchs. He argued that no Nigerian king has the territorial control or sovereignty to justify such a title.

“In a constitutional democracy, no Oba, Obi, or Emir is imperial. It’s self-deception and undue glorification to parade oneself with such an oversized title,” Soetan said, adding that traditional rulers can be suspended or removed by local government officials.

This debate over titles reflects broader conversations about the role of traditional rulers in a modern Nigerian state. While many still hold cultural significance and wield influence within their communities, their power is largely symbolic and subject to constitutional law.

The insistence on “Imperial” titles, as Oba Akanbi demonstrates, raises questions about the boundaries between tradition, history, and modern governance.

In the Yoruba cultural hierarchy, other prominent monarchs such as the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, and the Awujale of Ijebuland are addressed as “His Royal Majesty,” raising eyebrows over the Oluwo’s deviation.