Iwo Stands Still For The New Oluwo Of Iwo Kingdom

The ancient city of Iwo stood still on Monday when the Oluwo-elect, Prince Abdul-rasheed Adewale Akanbi entered triumphantly in to the town for the installation process.

Major streets in the city, witnessed heavy traffic jam as the convoy of the Oluwo snaked through Ori-eru, Odo-ori, Ile-omosan and Ojaba axis of the city where people lined up the streets to welcome the new Monarch.

‎The installation ceremony followed the approval of the appointment of the new monarch by Osun Government after the completion of due process by the king makers.

The Oluwo-elect in an Open roof Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle raising his clutched fists to acknowledge cheers from people after about three hours ‎drive to get to the palace was turbaned by League of Imam and Alfas led by sheik Imran Adio.

The turbaning ceremony ‎was followed by the symbolic traditional decoration of the Monarch with “Akoko” leaf by the Oosa of Iwo Kingdom, Chief Bello Orobimpe.

Traditional gunshots rented the air by Iwo traditionalists heralding the reign of ‎the new Oluwo of Iwo thus signalling the completion of first phase of the Monarch traditional rights.

The Oluwo-elect after the turbaning ceremony was led by traditionalists and chiefs to the “Ile Onto” to continue further installation rights before the crowning of‎ Prince Abdul-rasheed Adewale Akanbi.

Speaking after the installation ceremony, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti stated that the day is an historical day in the ancient town.

He held that the recent happening in Iwo is another indication of the commitment of the Aregbesola administration to one of his six-point integral plans of promotion of communal peace and progress.

‎Adeoti said, “I salute the courage and understanding of all, this day is historic in the sense that Iwo in about three years ago was without a king, but we are happy that this day of a new king has come.

“We need the cooperation of all and sundry, I call on everybody to join hands with the new monarch in the task to build the town. Iwo can not afford to stand still, we must strive as we enter a new era to develop our Land.

“I call on the people of Iwo most especially youths ‎to rally round the new monarch and the state government for the development of Iwoland, the state and the country at large”. The SSG emphasised.

Dignitaries at the installation ceremony included, the Asiwaju of Iwoland and former Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Gbadegesin Adedeji, Former Commissioner for Agriculture, old Oyo state, Alhaji Bola Asafa, Octogenarian and Ekerin Oluwo, Otunba Ganiyu Aremu, Former Special Adviser to Governor Aregbesola on Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, among others.