Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has lamented that Africa’s failure to properly document its early civilisations has contributed to the continent’s present-day challenges.
Oba Akanbi also declared that Africa will rise again because it remains the source of humanity.
The Oluwo made the remarks on Sunday during the grand finale of events marking his 10th coronation anniversary in Iwo.
He said the absence of structured records had slowed Africa’s development, adding that the continent must reconnect with its origins to move forward.
Oba Akanbi stated, “The failure that resulted from non-documentation of our rich beginning has placed us behind. Africa is the source of humanity. In my time, Africans will rise and Nigerians will smile.”
The Oluwo highlighted educational advancements within Iwoland under his reign, stressing that the town has become one of the highest producers of academic doctorate holders in the country.
He said, “Iwoland values education more than ever before. Today, we are one of the highest producers of academic doctorate holders. Academically, Iwoland has to her credit three private universities, one polytechnic, a sports academy, and one Federal College of Education.”
Reflecting on his stewardship, the monarch said he had restored Iwo’s traditional standing and urged residents and critics alike to focus on development goals.
“Traditionally, I have achieved it. The traditional spirit of Oluwo is alive, very active, and agile beyond relegation. I don’t pay attention to distractions. Only people with positive foresight are riding with us currently.”
According to him, “Economic growth in Iwoland has been steady, with improved security and new business investments. Hotels and event centres are multiplying, but we need more production firms to boost employment. Market men and women are testifying to increased sales daily.”
The monarch encouraged indigenes to attract investors, stating that stronger industrial activities would reduce dependency within extended families, and charged political leaders from Iwo to prioritise the community’s interests.
“Politically, I charge Iwo-born politicians to represent and promote Iwoland interests at all costs. Without political strength, delay may be denial,” he warned.
Oba Akanbi said his palace had become an intellectual and cultural hub, serving as a model for the coexistence of tradition and modernity.
“My reign stands as an exemplary model of this dialogue between tradition and modernity,” he said.
Engr. Joseph Olasupo Olasunkanmi Tegbe, representing President Bola Tinubu, noted the impact of the Oluwo and the revival of Yoruba culture.
He said, “Iwo’s greatest treasure is the harmony among different religious groups. The president would work to support Iwoland in developmental projects.”
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, congratulated Oba Akanbi, adding that what he is doing for his kingdom transcends Iwoland.
He described him as a unifier and urged him to continue on his chosen path.
Sunday Olufemi Oroniyi, Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources, representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, described Oba Akanbi as a dogged ruler and said his cooperation with the government has been immense.
He disclosed that the Oluwo’s number four position in the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers will be maintained.
Guests present at the occasion included the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade; the Owa of Ijeshaland, Oba Adesuyi Clement Haastrup; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; representative of the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
For More News And Analysis About Nigeria Follow Africa-Press
