After rocking the headlines last weekend with stories that he has renounced his title as an Oba to adopt the title of an Emir in Osun State, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has clarified that he did not adopt the title of Emir of Yorubaland, while reinstating that he could only be called Emir by “Northerners and ardent Muslims”.
The Yoruba monarch had reportedly declared that he adopted the Emir title, which is exclusive to the North in place of Oba, a title deeply connected with the south, on the grounds that northern Emirs “do not begrudge themselves like Yoruba Obas”.
He was also pictured in the traditional northern leadership regalia, which he described as being “appropriate” for him.
Explaining the full meaning of his earlier statement, in a new statement released yesterday by his media aide, Oba Akanbi clarified that he could be referred to as an Emir to “integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity.”
See the full statement below:
“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?”
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