Adedokun Waliyu 
“I’m a sexagenarian. I sat there ruminating and could not remember if any Olubadan has ever visited Oluwo. Curious to have the fact, I approached Prince Abimbola, a nonagenarian, he equally attested such has never happened. The late Alaafin of Oyo was here. Many kings have visited Oluwo. The visit of Olubadan to Oluwo is incomparable to any other visiti in history”
Above was the remark of Prof. Lai Olurode, the president of the apex decision making body in Iwo, Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) during the visit of the Paramount Ruler of Ibadanland, HIM Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun Okunmade II to the Natural Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, yesterday.
Oluwo, in recent times, has been fingered in developmental discussions leading to promoting mutual affinity between some stakeholders in Oyo and Osun State. For the past few months, Oba Akanbi, through vigorous media presence, has been demanding for full construction of Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road, a voice that brought the two governors together despite political party difference.
Subsequently, the road was approved and flag off to take place before m this month (October) runs out. This jinx is a template to be followed by reasonable government that difference should be put aside when people’s welfare is involved.
Just yesterday, Tuesday 4th October,2022, the Olubadan, with his High Chiefs and Princes accompanied by some stakeholders in Ibadanland including Senior Chief Lekan Alabi, serving Senator Kola Balogun, direct brother to Oba Lekan Balogun and many bigwigs were hosted by Oluwo of Iwoland, Iwoland Kings from the three Local Governments, Baales, Iwo Princes, Chiefs and members of Iwo Board of Trustees. It was a gathering of men of ages.
In history, many prominent Iwo warlords relocated to Ibadan. My interest is not the history but to re-engineer the bond Oluwo symbolizes. The courtesy call will not only establish the cradle of Ali Iwo but will further put on hold the controversy surrounding kinship between the two throne most especially as it relates to Ali Iwo dynasty of Ibadan Ruling House.
Oluwo has promoted the relationship and today, it has transcended from the single line of Ali Iwo to the general Ibadanland.
During the visit yesterday, the Olu of Ileogbo, HRM Oba Abeeb Agbaje Adetoyese, described Oluwo as a complex monarch with pure and unblemish character. In his own remark, the Akire of Ikire Ile, HRM Oba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun commended Oluwo for his unique style distinguishing him and other toeing his line from the rest. Akire stated the uniqueness of Oluwo is premised on two factors- His trust in one God and the uncompromising service to his people. The two monarchs eulogized Oluwo and appreciated Olubadan for the historical homecoming.
Equally, Oluwo, last March, married a princess from Kano, a development that received commendation from meaningful Nigerians. Oluwo has been at the forefront of fostering Nigeria’s national unity.
There is no monarch so practically engaged in sustaining the unity of Nigeria of today as Oluwo. He follows his instinct and acts accordingly.
