Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun state, Oba Adbulrasheed Akanbi posing as an Emir
The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun state, Oba Adbulrasheed Akanbi, has made clarifications following reports that he had some days ago adopted the ”Emir of Yorubaland” title.
Following reports of his new title, the monarch was lambasted by a section of the public who saw the act as an insult to Yoruba culture.
In a statement released on Sunday by Akanbi’s media aide, Ali Ibrahim, he clarified that he could be referred to as an Emir to “integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity” but he has not dropped his Oba title.
The statement in part reads:
“Oluwo has never adopted the Emir title; he only said he could also be called an Emir by the Hausas and ardent Muslims. Oba Akanbi is an Oba for the nation, with special attachment to the Yorubas. He promotes Yoruba culture to the admiration of many youths. Just because of Oluwo dress code today, many children are attracted to Yoruba culture of wearing aso ofi.
I said so (reference to being an emir) to integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity. All working tools are available for the integration and unity of our dear country. I’ve visited the north several times. Core Hausa hardly pronounce Yoruba words correctly. They call me emir when I am with them. Is there anything wrong in answering to such? Even, the Hausa in Iwo here call me emir. Will I stop them from addressing me as such?".