Iwo day unites traditional rulers, indigenes

Despite some hiccup witnessed before the event, the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Akinruntan Obateru, and other traditional rulers added glamour to the 2017 edition of the annual Iwo Day. TUNDE BUSARI reports:

December 23, 2017 will remain indelible in the memories of the indigenes of Iwo for hosting the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Akinruntan with fanfare that caught the Ondo State monarch unawares and informed his lengthy speech when he was called upon to address the large audience.

According to Oba Akinruntan, he did not imagine what he had seen as a casual invite by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRosheed Akanbi, 24 hours earlier turning to a rousing reception to which he was treated by the people of Iwo at the2017 edition of the Iwo Day celebration.

Held at the popular DC School, Araromi, opposite Iwo Local Government Secretariat, the crowd that thronged the playground to take a look at the Olugbo could only be compared to what was witnessed on January 16, 2016 when the Oluwo was given the certificate and his staff of office by the Osun State Governor, RaufAregbesola in the premises of Reality Radio/Television along Iwo-Ibadan road.

Dressed in grey agbada matched with a simple white crown, Oba Akinruntan was a subject of attraction to old and young indigenes all of whom surged forward to catch a glimpse of the traditional ruler they were seeing in their town for the first time.

The Olugbo was acknowledging the gesture with his horsetail, which he intermittently gesticulated with toothy smiles beside his host, the Oluwo.

Oba Akinruntan was said to have been familiar with the landscape of Iwo and its environs long before he had ascended the throne. This he explained in Yoruba language to the applause of the cheering audience which included traditional rulers under Iwo Kingdom, adding he might not know the names of some of the town but knew the terrain like back of his palm.

“What I am saying is that I know this area as peaceful and land for agriculture. And I am happy to meet the peace-loving people today. The reception which the people have given me today is a heart-warming, which I must not but reciprocate. I was supposed to be here when KabiyesiOluwo was celebrating his birthday but I could not make it because I was abroad.

“It was one of the reasons I made up my mind that I won’t miss this opportunity. It is an opportunity to see the people of Oluwo, the traditional I like so much among other Yoruba traditional rulers. What I have seen today has proved that the Oluwo is loved by his people. If he is not loved by the people, they would not have been this large here to the extent of showing the same love to me,” he told our correspondent with a smile.

Describing the Oluwo as one of his favourite monarchs in Yorubaland, Oba Akinruntan said his host symbolizes youthfulness and dynamism needed to upgrade Yoruba traditional institution given his knowledge and exposure to different cultures during his sojourn before he ascended the throne.

Within two years he became the Oluwo, the Olugbo added, the Oluwo had made a big mark and raised the name of the town to higher pedestal among Yoruba towns. Though young, he further said, Oba Akanbi’s wealth of experience is an asset which he uses to administer his town, therefore, urging Iwo indigenes to cooperate with him on his mission to take the town to a greater height.

“He needs your support now more than before. There is no way we would not have reason to disagree on issues, but there is also reason to bury the hatchet and move forward. I am also appealing to traditional rulers within Iwo Kingdom to work together with Oluwo. I have since known this place as a peaceful domain. I want everybody to sustain the peaceful co-existence,” he said.

Unable to shield his happiness to Oba Akinruntan’s presence at the occasion despite short notice, the Oluwo also showered encomium on his guest with a declaration that he had long looked forward to the day given the antecedent of the Olugbo as an equally outspoken traditional ruler whose royal philosophy is driven by service to his people with no string attached.

Besides, Oba Akanbi also acknowledged the contributions of the Olugbo to knowledge in his sustained efforts to investigate the past with a view to setting the record straight for the posterity and future generations yet unborn.

He disclosed that he was attracted to the Olugbo by his position on issues bothering on history and cultural evolution of Yoruba, adding that his guest is blessed and a philanthropist who spread his wealth to empower the downtrodden beyond his domain.

“I think we share the same worldview on public administration. Traditional rulers must always lead in mass-oriented policies after which supports may come from the indigenes and friends of their towns. We are not on the throne to amaze wealth but to distribute same to our people so that they also live meaningful life leading to a better future. I also thank other traditional rulers here present for their consistency and support from time to time,” he said.

Eminent personalities attended the Iwo Day including politicians, captains of industry, academics and religious leaders. The Hausa and Ibo communities were also represented while various business associations in the town added more colour to the event with their different uniform attires.

In his welcome address, the Eketa of Iwo, Dr Oluremi Atanda, a famous school proprietor, also expressed his happiness at the turn out of the people and also expressed his appreciation, assuring the teeming crowd of the better future ahead of Iwo. DrAtanda urged the Iwo youths to always work for the peace and development of the town with a view to making the town more attractive to outsiders.

The Iwo youths who filled every available space at the event made a statement by effectively complementing the security agencies deployed to the venue. Their efforts yielded fruit as no major crime incident was formally recorded while the programme lasted, an attestation to the enduring security in the town claimed to be another destination.

The President of Iwo Historical and Cultural Association, Professor OlasupoLadipo affirmed that while Osogbo, Erinjesa, Oke-Ila are known and patronised tourist centres in Osun State, Iwo also hosts a couple of historical sites that should be developed. He said the Igiila, a magical tree at Iwara is one of three such magical trees in Nigeria, revealing that the other two are found in National Park, Calabar, the Cross River Capital and National Park inBenin, the Edo State capital.

“At Oke Oore, we have different shapes of rock formations including a stream that does not dry up, no matter how severe the dry season. It is medicinal. Also at Oke Ore, we have Orunmila Grave. That is where Orunmila lived and practiced his knowledge of Ifa. The print of different ‘Odu’ can be found there till today. This ought to be developed as a Mecca for traditional worshippers, especially Ifa devotees around the world,” he said.

Cultural performances as well as market women dances including different local drummers groups added more glamour to the event just as hawkers of different items explored the advantage to do business.

A youth leader, Yusuf Ola-Gold Mutallab described the Iwo Day as a huge success that beat his imagination, considering certain challenge experienced during preparation. He said the large turnout of invited guests was indicative of the Oluwo’s rising profile among the youth and senior citizens.

“When I saw the Olugbo on his arrival, I knew it was going to be a big one. I congratulate our kabiyesi, the Oluwo-In-Council, the Iwo Board of Trustees, Iwo Day Planning Committee and the entire indigenes for a successful occasion. With what I saw today, I am more encouraged to believe that the Iwo of our dream is here and we shall get to the promise land together,” he stated.