By The Nation,Toba Adedeji
Copyright thenationonlineng
Iwo community and Alli Ibraheem, the media aide of Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi have berated Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, over his supremacy comment.
The Nation recalls Oba Olanipekun at a public lecture to commemorate his 15th coronation anniversary, called for reinstatement of his rightful fourth position at the Osun State Council of Obas.
He alleged he has since been displaced by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi.
However, Oluwo’s spokesman Alli Ibraheem expressed disappointment over Oba Olanipekun’s comment, warning that the claim cannot cause friction between Iwo and Osogbo.
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He said:“Oluwo of Iwoland will not contend or compete with anyone. Ataoja should note that the claim to seniority is not by chair. Oluwo has respect for Osogbo because of the great men and women from Osogbo who have contributed immensely to the town.
“Ataoja is strongly advised to seek extension unadulterated history from great men and women of Osogbo well versed in the history of Osogbo and Yoruba by extension. Oluwo is a natural paramount ruler. We have very few of such in Yorubaland who are monarchs from inception with no history of Coronet.”
Also, Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) led by Professor Lai Olurode, said Ataoja neither adduced evidence from recent Yoruba history nor did he mobilise unassailable archival record in support of his remark described as blatant and unfair.
He said: “We respect the Royal Office of Ataoja. Iwo and Osogbo have historical links. The two towns enjoy immense sociopolitical and economic links which continue to blossom. But without prejudice to deference to these facts, the truth must not be taken to the slaughter’s slab.
“The truth is that Ataoja’s crown was of recent origin along with some others when the then military Governor David Jemibewon decreed them into existence in 1976. This is an indisputable historical fact. Oluwo’s beaded crown is ageless and it’s from the pristine source, undiluted and authentic.
“It is public knowledge that the current Oluwo is conversant with the ranking and hierarchy order of first class Obas in ancient and modern times. He has distinguished himself as a no nonsense Oba in Nigeria and would neither allow history to be distorted nor look the other way when the seniority list of Obas in Osun state is tampered with.”
