Oluwo Makes Case for Yoruba Monarch in Canada

A first class traditional ruler in Osun State, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has disclosed his plan to launch the appointment of monarch for the Yoruba community in Canada.

Following his attendance at an interactive town hall meeting organized by Yoruba Community Association (YCA) in Canada held at Thistletown Community Centre in Toronto, as contained in a press statement by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oluwo said Yoruba community in Canada are dedicated and deserve to have monarch to be appointed on merit primarily measure by his contribution to Yoruba community at large.

Oluwo pointed out that the step is needful considering the population and contribution of Yoruba to Canada in all ramification.

According to him, there will also be provision for the appointment of municipal heads popularly called Baales and chiefs after the installation of Yoruba monarch.

Oluwo expressed optimism of jiffy consent of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as a progressive governor of Osun State for the ratification and onward endorsement.

Oba Akanbi disclosed that the purpose is not only to register Yoruba presence in Canada but also to educate Yoruba children on the establishment and conduct of traditional rulers as an integral aspect of our culture.

The monarch lauded YCA for sustaining the tempo of the association, imploring them to mandate the teaching of Yoruba language and culture for their children.

“I have a special package for you today as one of you before I became traditional ruler. I want Yoruba community in Canada to have Oba (monarch). Apart from due for it, we need to establish the conduct of traditional system of governance and cultural practice to Yoruba children here in Canada. We will start with the appointment of monarch after which municipal heads and chiefs follow”

The royal father, who dressed in “agbada” made from “aso oke”, told the members at the meeting presided over by the YCA President, Chief (Mrs.) ‘Sola Olubunmi, that he may begin the process with the installation of Baale, who will eventually be upgraded to Obaship status

“The Oba will be approved duely signed and registered in Nigeria with certificate. I will forward the certificate to the governor for ratification of the Oba. I have 32 kings under me in Iwoland where I am the consenting authority to the stools. So, I am a consenting authority to install kings and I can do that here in Canada as one of you”

Oba Akanbi thereafter pleaded for unity among the Yoruba indigenes in Canada in the selection of the right candidate, praying for the choice of credible candidate of remarkable achievements to the Yoruba community.

The choice of the qualified candidate will base on what the person has done for the Yoruba community and who can propel the progress of the association” said Oluwo.

“It is a way of empowering them to be close to Nigeria and also a rallying point in connecting with the Canadian government with a constituted authority in a traditional way …..we will be appointing Baale first and then upgraded to kingship status”