The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has declared that the Alaafin of Oyo holds the most prestigious traditional title in Yorubaland, saying no other title surpasses it.
He made the remark on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to his palace in Iwo, Osun State. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen ties between Oyo and Iwo, two historic Yoruba towns.
Oba Akanbi said, “I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin. Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title that Oranmiyan adopted, and I will also adopt the saying.”
He went further to say that he would now prefer to be called “Alaafin of Iwo,” adding that he plans to inform the government about the title change. “Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alaafin of Iwo, and we will inform the government about it,” he said.
According to the Oluwo, the title “Alaafin” is originally for descendants of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. He praised Oba Owoade’s humility and intelligence, saying these qualities would bring peace and progress to Oyo.
He added that the bond between Oyo and Iwo is strong and would continue to grow under their leadership. “The existing good relationship between the towns will continue to flourish,” he stated.
In his response, Alaafin Owoade, who was accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi, and palace chiefs, said the visit was to show appreciation to the Oluwo for attending his coronation in April 2025.
“I came to see Oluwo because he honoured me by attending my coronation ceremony. Even when my name was announced as Alaafin-elect, he was among the first to call and congratulate me,” Oba Owoade said.
The new Alaafin stressed the importance of maintaining the historical bond between both royal houses. He noted that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, also shared a close relationship with the Oluwo, and he intends to continue that legacy.
“Oyo and Iwo have enjoyed a long history of good relations, and we must keep that alive,” he said, addressing the gathering in Yoruba.
Oba Owoade also called on other traditional rulers in Iwo to support the Oluwo and work in unity for the development of the town.
Oba Abimbola Owoade was officially crowned in April 2025 as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away in 2022 after reigning for over five decades. His ascension marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Oyo Kingdom.
