The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has announced the adoption of new nomenclature – Alaafin of Iwo – saying the title of Alaafin was first adopted by Oranmiyan, a direct descendant of Oduduwa, who is progenitor of the Yoruba race.
Oluwo also said that he was not aware of any other traditional title in Yorubaland that is superior to that of Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom.
Oba Akanbi averred that the title of the Alaafin, an original descendant of Oduduwa, was supreme to all other traditional titles in Yorubaland.
The Oluwo stated these on Tuesday in Iwo town when he played host to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, who was in the ancient town to pay courtesy visit to the Oba Akanbi following his coronation in April.
Thanking the Alaafin for the visit, the Oluwo stressed that the visit would boost the relationship between the two towns.
“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,” the Iwo monarch said.
Oba Akanbi also said that with the humility and exposure of the Alaafin Owoade, Oyo would witness peace and unprecedented development.
According to him, the existing good relationship between the Iwo and Oyo towns will continue to flourish.
Earlier, Alaafin Owoade, who was accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi, and other Oyo Chiefs, said that he came to thank the Oluwo of Iwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.
The traditional ruler also said that Oluwo called to congratulate him when his name was announced as the Alaafin-elect.
“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,” he said.
The Alaafin, who noted that Oyo and Iwo had been enjoying a good relationship for years, said that he also came to Iwo to ensure that the relationship continued.
Speaking in Yoruba language, Oba Owoade, who noted that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, had a good relationship with Iwo, emphasised the need to sustain the relationship between the two towns.
“Iwo and Oyo have been enjoying a good relationship for years, even with my predecessor and I want that relationship to continue,” Alaafin said.
He urged other traditional rulers in Iwo land to continue to work with Oluwo with an open mind, enjoining them to also continue to support and cooperate with the traditional ruler for the development of the town.
