5th Coronation Anniversary: Oluwo Counts His Many Blessings
THE WALK TO GLORY by Alli Ibraheem
“I did not only walk to glory, there were times. Sometimes I walk, occassionally I slow while most times I run, it depends (Won lemi no leyin, mo le ara iwaju – meaning “when people are pursuing me from behind, I will run and pursue those in my front). I’ve walked lonely in the desert, at death zones. I’ve started fighting battles from my childhood because I pursue what I trust, irrespective. My most powerful asset is God, then, the experience that has shaped my life to fear no one except HIM. I’ve seen that glory and I trust it. I give every situation deserving approach. It may be strange but perfectly working for my kingdom. It is a new teachings and we are moving forward” OLUWO OF IWOLAND
The struggle started in 2013, away in Canada when the strange voice “You are the next king, pack your loads and go home”, says the voice. As human, was disturbed but without doubt, from his spiritual knowledge. He obeyed. For almost 4 years, the contest was keen, contestants jostling for recognition, consulting and contacting the authorities for endorsement. No doubt, he was known, very well, at least, with his father’s rich antecedents, Prince Liadi Kolawole Akanbi, the founder/promoter of the first football club in Iwoland.
Oluwo, the PARAMOUNT RULER OF IWOLAND, HIM Oba (Dr.) Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, was born over 50years ago to the family of Prince Kolawole Akanbi of Molassan’s compound of Gbaase Ruling House, Iwo. He was peculiar, divinely blessed with economic touch. Whatever he touches is gold. This uniqueness prompted his father to trust him with his investments but could not suppress the desire to survive independently. He want to be a man.
At the completion of his National Diploma in Nigeria, he worked, garnered money and travelled out, seeking for greener pastures while equally studying.
In pursuance of his aspiration after the divined voice, Oluwo left the shore of Canada where he has stayed for years. In respect of the call, he parked and sacrificed many assets in Canada. For about 3 years, he would come off and on for meetings and physical consultations. He knows no one except God. While his contenders are moving with money bags, he was moving with God.
In November 9th, 2015, the government of Osun State led by the then Governor Rauf Aregbesola, announced his appointment as the 16th Oluwo of Iwoland. As if people knew his ability, the enthusiastic was overwhelmed. All the residents thronged in their thousands, encouraged by the acceptance of the shouts “Ilufemiloye”, Oluwo uncontrollably announced his title “TeluI”. He was subsequently coronated in January 16th, 2016. Today, he is marking his 5th coronation anniversary as the capable Oluwo of Iwoland.
Within the period, Oluwo has successfully applied his experience in managing his subjects with situational approach. None of his action is not without reason. A people must be excellently governed with the language they understand. Iwo is a nation on its own. And we are happy the nation is moving under Telu. Today, the then nation is now homes of many firsts.
Many of the renowned heroes have done things worth writing while others have written many things worth reading. Others are inventors, innovators and propagators of theories to match
existing occurrence or improve stale practices. If one could become an
hero for inventing a cutlass, what should we call the inventor of
airplane? And someone who invented and designed suite dresses made of Ofi?
Unarguably, Oluwo, within less than 5 years of traditional governance has reinvigorated the glory of traditional governance through inventions, such that, even, non
blue bloods are attracted to the crown. Oba Akanbi, being a king of
many first is operating a mobile palace to ensure Nigerians plight is
decimated. It is bizarre to see a first class natural paramount ruler
patching roads with head crowned. He claimed to emulate the attribute
of God as a servant whom we direct our daily requests to. Since being
enthroned, Oluwo has recorded many enticing records to be regarded as the chosen one.
Equally, Oluwo was the first to adopt the monarchical title “Alase
Lori Orisha” meaning commandant over deities. Oba Akanbi narrated
Orisha (deities) are the chosen ones pronounced as a mark of
recognition of their heroic records/achievements. As such, deities are
glorified people exceptionally treated. He opined the head of every
community is the king, rich, poor, tall, slim etc. all deities are
human and never above king. He proved it convincingly that Monarchs are
commandants over deities and should not in any way subjected
themselves under a lesser god. Kings are answerable only to God, he stated. And shadows of God on earth (Arole Olodumare). He
thus launched a special celebration of deities most especially the Egunguns to be tourist attention.
Oluwo is a mobile king operating a mobile palace to serve his people. He moved his palace to the roof of the aged immobile aged. He would visit them, pray, distribute money and foodstuff to enliven their soul. He does this every two-two month.
The way you dress speaks volume of how you will be addressed. Oluwo`s
regalia is uniquely designed, made of local materials, well
embroidered. Today, traditional rulers have adopted his dressing and
now a competition in the institution. Everything about him is local
products with unique style to the admiration of all. He is unique. He wears local clothes with digital designs.one cloth, one occassion.
Furthermore, Oluwo is the first king to patronize made in Nigeria car.
This is called leading by example. His actions clearly differentiate
between a leader and a boss. A boss tells people what to do but a
leader shows how to do it. Before he canvasses, he leads the direction
himself. This is Oluwo for you, the digital monarch.
– Reconstruction of the Old Oluwo Palace into a state of the art magnificent complex.
-Procurement of Patrol vehicles and motorcycles for law enforcement agencies
– Establishment of Telu Food and Clothing Bank, the initiative which has been existing since 2016. He feeds the orphans, widows and the less privileged three times every week in his Palace. He opined his joy is assisting people in need. Generous spending only widen your chance to have more. It doesn’t reduce your earnings. It is a natural law.
-Repairing of the bad portions at Olodo, Ejioku and Iyana-Offa, along Iwo-Ibadan Road axis
-. Repairing and Rehabilitation of Iwo-Osogbo Highway. Oluwo is Oduduwa reincarnated. Many of his deeds are reenactment of the practices that promulgated the name “Oduduwa”. Just like Oduduwa
who became father to the Yorubas through holistic service to his
people, Oluwo launched same to patch a federal road for easy movement
of his subjects, Nigerians. He has earlier shortly after his
enthronement rehabilitated a 10-year abandoned Iwo-Osogbo road. He
neither care for the rain nor sun but went on the road with crown on
his head. His resources were device to ensure the roads are in order.
Anyone can do this but very rare of a king.
-. Facilitating/Donating of Multimillion Naira Medical Equipments to General Hospital.
– Construction of first Nigeria Arc of Triumph monument, Iwo
– Ten Young and outstanding entrepreneurs were empowered with 100k each
– Facilitating and Offering Scholarship to several indigenes and residents of Iwoland.
-Organizing of Oluwo Children Day celebration, the initiative which has been existing since 2016
-Approval and takeoff of Iwo City Polytechnic, Iwo.
– Approval and takeoff of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Iwo Study Centre.
– Approval and takeoff of Al Ummah College of Education, Iwo.
– Approval and takeoff of Royal College of Public Health and Technology, Iwo.
-Approval of Westland University, Iwo.
– Approval, reconstruction and takeoff of Police Area Command, Iwo.
– Approval and takeoff of Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC Unit Command, Iwo
– Approval of an Operational Zonal command of Nigeria Immigration Service, Iwo
– Approval of Federal College Of Education, Iwo.
…….to mention but a few of his credits.
These and many more are just tips of the iceberg. We are building an enviable nation in phases. We’ve fought the battle to reclaim our place and glory. We seek for understanding and believability by the people we serve. We are unrepentant progressive and promoters of new Iwoland.
Long live Oluwo
Long live Iwo
Long live Osun State
Long live Nigeria