Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, yesterday, denied changing his title from Oba to Emir.
The Oluwo said he “only disclosed he can also be called an Emir by his Muslim admirers especially the Hausa, who cannot pronounce Oba correctly.”
He described those condemning him for the report as ignorant of his true position, urging media commentators to acquaint themselves with the correct position before launching comment.
In a statement by the Palace press secretary, Mr. Alli Ibraheem said the report on the alleged adoption of Emir is a misconception of the media content by readers.
The statement reads: “Oluwo never adopted the Emir title, he only said he could also be called an Emir by the Hausa and ardent Muslims. Oba Akanbi is an Oba for the nation, with special attachment to the Yoruba. He promotes Yoruba culture to the admiration of many youths. Just because of Oluwo’s dress code today, many children are attracted to Yoruba culture. “I said so to integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity. All working tools are available for the integration and unity of our dear country. I have visited the North several times. The core Hausa hardly pronounce Yoruba words correctly. They called me Emir when I am with them. Is there anything wrong in answerable to such?
“Even, the Hausa in Iwo here call me Emir. Will I stop them from addressing me as such? No. I am a father to the nation being a first class paramount ruler. “My dress is a respect to Yoruba. Yoruba heritage is the best worldwide. We are the hope of not only Nigeria but also the black race. Our conducts are undeniable. The corruption part of it is what I am checkmating.”
