The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has declared that the title of Alaafin remains supreme among Yoruba traditional institutions.
Oba Akanbi made the declaration while receiving the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Iwo, Osun State.
He described the Alaafin stool as the original royal title of the descendants of Oduduwa and asserted that no other throne in Yorubaland holds superiority over it.
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 Oranmiyan adopted, and I will also adopt that title. Henceforth, I will also want to be called the Alaafin of Iwo, and we will inform the government accordingly”.
The traditional ruler also praised the humility of the new Alaafin, saying Oba Owoade’s reign would usher in peace and unprecedented development for the ancient city of Oyo.
He added that the historic relationship between Iwo and Oyo would continue to flourish.
Earlier in his remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade said the visit was in appreciation of the Oluwo’s presence at his coronation in April.
Oluwo has shown royal honour and humility. He congratulated me even before the coronation and came in person to Oyo. Today, I am here to reciprocate that gesture,” the Alaafin said.
Oba Owoade, who stressed the need to sustain the bond of friendship between Oyo and Iwo, noted that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, maintained similar royal ties during his lifetime.
He urged other monarchs in Iwoland to continue to cooperate with Oluwo and support his leadership for the development of the town.
