Oluwo of Iwoland denies adopting the title of Emir but can be called one by the Hausas and Muslims

Rebutting the reports, the traditional in a statement issued on Sunday by media aide, Mr Ali Ibrahim,  explained that he had never dropped the title of an Oba for an emir. This is notwithstanding that he has been dressing like an emir and wearing turbans occasionally just as he did during the turban on Saturday when he installed Yakubu Abdul-Baqi Mohamed the Waziri of Yorubaland.

According to the statement, “Oluwo has never adopted the Emir title; he only said he could also be called an Emir by the Hausas and ardent Muslims.

“Oba Akanbi is an Oba for the nation, with a special attachment to the Yorubas. He promotes Yoruba culture to the admiration of many youths.

“Just because of Oluwo dress code today, many children are attracted to Yoruba culture of wearing aso ofi.

“I said so (a reference to being an emir) to integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity. All working tools are available for the integration and unity of our dear country.

“I’ve visited the North several times. Core Hausa hardly pronounce Yoruba words correctly. They call me emir when I am with them. Is there anything wrong in answering 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.”

Meanwhile, Yoruba youths are not the development funny. Speaking through the national coordinator, Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association (YYSA), Mr. Olalekan Hammed, the youths contend that the Oluwo’s action could precipitate a crisis in the future if not checked now, according to the Punch.

“We have had a Christian as the Oluwo in the past (from 1958 to 1982). What if another Christian becomes Oluwo in the future? Will he be allowed to change the title to that of evangelist or what or will he be referred to as an Emir of Iwo? It is not proper. Even the Oluwo is not in the position to install anybody the Waziri of Yorubaland because it is an Islamic title. The League of Imams has that power, Hammed reported tells Punch.