Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi is still the paramount ruler of Iwo Kingdom. The Ooni of Ife who is the chairman of Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and other kings know that they can not suspend him from the throne because only the government and kingmakers possess such powers. When a member of a particular group is suspended or expelled from a group, it is either the member has floated the rules of the group or at that moment lacks the group’s measure of character, integrity and moral worthiness to be in the group.
For every association, there are laid down rules and regulations for running of its affairs. Besides rules, there are certain requirements members must posses to be worthy members of a group. With the recent development in Osun State Traditional Council of Obas, it clearly shows that the minimum requirement of being a member of the council goes beyond royal beads, flowing Agbadas and royal paparazzi but character, integrity, royalty with class, respect for traditions and humility which are clearly lacking in the personality of Oluwo of Iwoland.
So he was therefore suspended by the council and hereby denied every single benefit he is entitled to within their gathering (if there is any) for six months. Although Oluwo was suspended for alleged conflict with his royal majesties, Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Alake of Egbaland and others, it is glaring that the peace meeting was held at the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police where Oluwo reportedly punched or slapped Agbowu of Ogbaagba prompted the decision of the council.
Apart from Oluwo of Iwoland and other warring monarchs who attended the meeting, government officials and the AIG are the neutral people in this situation. I have no doubts that the council would have listened to the true narration of the matter from these neutral people before they could suspend the Oluwo of Iwoland. The silence of the AIG and other government officials who were at the scene of the disgraceful event is a direct attack on justice and their neutrality stand is hypocritical.
Did Oluwo truly punch, hit or slap the Agbowu of Ogbaagba? As a principal witness, the silence of the AIG is a threat to justice. In situations like this, there is no honor in maintaining neutrality. Did government officials who witness the whole situation explain the true state of things to the governor of the state? Could it be that elders who caution youths to have patience during peace meeting disrupted the gathering and denied onlookers the privilege to examine the situation?
If truly Oluwo punched or slapped Agbowu of Ogbaagba and government aides who were at the meeting witnessed it all and they relayed the incident to the state government, then the people need action from the government than weightless press statement. If Oyetola led administration respect the people and believe that they deserve to know the truth, this issue must not die naturally. Oluwo should not be spared if found guilty and his conspirators must not be forgiven if he’s innoncent.
I watched a video where Oluwo described his suspension as an audio one. He mocked the sensibilities of Osun traditional rulers, insulted and undermine the power of the stools of every king in Osun state with no expection to Oluwo’s stool. After watching the video, I felt worse and concluded that Oluwo does not have powers over his tongue and we all know that tongues are shallow graves. He boasted that he is still the paramount ruler of the kingdom. I never expected that he could come to public with such embarrassing video. Maintain silence and allow the issue to slide, what mature men do.
The greater insult lies on his Excellency, the governor of the state, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola. What did he do as the overall leader of the state before the meeting of the council? If any action is not taken by the government and this tussle continues, it is simply an open declaration by the governor that Osun state is a lawless society where injustice prevails and there are no consequences for wrongdoings. Is the state government investigating the issue? Is the ministry of culture and tourism on the matter? Is the government protecting Oluwo from the nemesis of the law or burying the incident because he is known sympathizer?
Lastly, I would advise Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi Telu 1 to make good use of this six months suspension. Consult elders and research widely. He should apply for courses on conflict resolution, peaceful studies and human relations. Use contacts and connections with state government to address land issues. Dig deep into our traditions, imbibe the teachings of great royals and most importantly learn how to relate with colleagues. Respect is a great ingredients in life. Oluwo needs traditional rehabilitation. He needs to go back into the scared room (IPEBI) and recieved full guidance from the gods if they exist and former royalties.
If I am in Oluwo’s shoes, I would use these months of suspension to refine myself. Resolve differences with first class Obas, pay a surprise visit to Agbowu of Ogbaagba and other lower kings across Iwo kingdom. Bury the pride for peaceful co-existence, rebuild the lost value, regain public confidence and start bulding up royalty with class.
Apagunpote Olayimika Chocomilo
