The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has expressed concern that the continent’s early civilisations were not properly recorded, a failure he believes continues to shape Africa’s modern struggles.
Speaking on Sunday at the grand finale of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary, Oba Akanbi said Africa must revisit its foundations to regain its place in global development. He noted that inadequate documentation of Africa’s heritage created gaps that slowed its advancement through generations.
According to him, “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 monarch used the occasion to highlight what he described as major educational achievements in Iwoland over the past decade.
He said the region has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading contributors to academic scholarship.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Oba Akanbi stated that he has revived the town’s traditional image and urged residents to look beyond distractions and focus on progress.
“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,” he said.
He also pointed to improvements in security and commerce, saying investment interest in Iwo has grown steadily.
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 Oluwo urged political leaders from Iwo to prioritise the community’s needs, stressing that strong political representation is key to achieving development targets.
“Politically, I charge Iwo-born politicians to represent and promote Iwoland interests at all costs. Without political strength, delay may be denial,” he said.
Oba Akanbi added that the palace under his leadership has become a space where tradition and contemporary thought intersect.
READ ALSO: Trump Threatens $5B Lawsuit Against BBC Over Video Edit
“My reign stands as an exemplary model of this dialogue between tradition and modernity,” he said.
Several dignitaries attended the anniversary celebration. Representing President Bola Tinubu, Engr. Joseph Olasupo Olasunkanmi Tegbe praised the monarch’s impact and the preservation of Yoruba culture.
He noted, “Iwo’s greatest treasure is the harmony among different religious groups. The president would work to support Iwoland in developmental projects.”
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin commended the Oluwo, saying his influence extends beyond Iwo. He called him a unifier and urged him to continue on his current path.
Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Olufemi Oroniyi, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke, described Oba Akanbi as a committed monarch and confirmed that his number four ranking in the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers remains unchanged.
Guests at the ceremony included the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade; the Owa of Ijeshaland, Oba Adesuyi Clement Haastrup; Senator Barau Jibrin; the representative of the Osun State Governor; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
