“Call Me Alaafin Of Iwo” – Oluwo Tells Govt

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has declared that the title of Alaafin remains supreme among Yoruba traditional institutions, adding that henceforth, he wishes to be addressed as the Alaafin of Iwo.

Oba Akanbi made the declaration on Tuesday while receiving the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Iwo, Osun State.

He described the Alaafin stool as the original royal title of the descendants of Oduduwa and asserted that no other throne in Yorubaland holds superiority over it.

“I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin. Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title Oranmiyan adopted, and I will also adopt that title. Henceforth, I will also want to be called the Alaafin of Iwo, and we will inform the government accordingly,” Oba Akanbi stated emphatically.

The traditional ruler also praised the humility and poise of the new Alaafin, saying Oba Owoade’s reign would usher in peace and unprecedented development for the ancient city of Oyo.

He added that the historic relationship between Iwo and Oyo would continue to flourish.

Earlier in his remarks, the Alaafin, Oba Owoade, who was accompanied by his wife, Abiwumi, and key chiefs, said the visit was in appreciation of the Oluwo’s presence at his coronation in April.

He recalled how Oluwo also congratulated him shortly after he was announced as the Alaafin-elect.

“Oluwo has shown royal honour and humility. He congratulated me even before the coronation and came in person to Oyo. Today, I am here to reciprocate that gesture,” the Alaafin said.

Oba Owoade, who addressed the gathering in Yoruba, stressed the need to sustain the bond of friendship between Oyo and Iwo, noting that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, maintained similar royal ties during his lifetime.

He urged other monarchs in Iwoland to continue to cooperate with Oluwo and support his leadership for the development of the town and the wider Yoruba race.

Oba Owoade was crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who reigned for over five decades before his demise in 2022.