Hajji: Oluwo And His Glorious Arrival

By Alli Ibraheem

Political rallies are characterized by the crowds. Most political crowds are bought by money. Not many politicians will command multitudes without monetization. One could but marvelled at an individual with no political aspiration earning an unmatched love and respect from the populace.

Two weeks ago, Oluwo of Iwoland, with his queen, went to Mecca to observe 2024 Hajji. He returned yesterday. Without notice, notable Royal Fathers in Iwoland, religious clerics, community leaders etc thronged the street of Iwoland to give His Majesty a rapturous reception.

The crowd was intimidating. The love is hyper super. Iwo people subject themselves to Oluwo as reciprocation to Oluwo’s submissiveness to serve them. Artisans closed their shops. Modrasas were shut.

Interestingly, I saw an overwhelming crowd of small boys (in their teens) numbering about 50. The boys jugged from Ojude Oba (Palace Gate) to Odo Oba shouting Telu.

Royal Fathers, 25 in numbers within Iwoland led by the Akire of Ikire Ile, HRM Oba Olatunbosun Abdul-Azeez, left their respective palace to honour God in Oluwo. Reciprocating the honour, Oluwo alighted at Ogburo where the kings gathered to have a jolly handshakes with them. The monarchs equally presented and cut a cake to celebrate Telu.

Okada riders suspended commercial activities. The road sides were filled to the brim from Odo Oba to Adeleke, Kojola, Oja Ale to the palace square.

Many who came for Ileya refused to return to their destinations. They stayed back to honour Kabiesi.

With the respect demonstrated for Oluwo, the love shown and the maturity displayed, it has been clearly established that Oluwo is a democratic monarch- a king of the people, by the people and for the people.