Oluwo Harps On Nigeria’s Unity, Installs ‘Asiwaju’ Of Igbo

By Ayobami Agboola,

The first class paramount ruler in Osun State, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba (Dr.) Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has reiterated the essence of Nigeria unity.

The Oluwo During The Installation Of Asiwaju Of Igbo In Iwoland

He said this on Saturday at the installation of the first Asiwaju (Leader) of Igbo Assembly in Iwoland, Emeka Martins Odumegwu, held in his palace in Iwo.

The traditional monarch who believes in the oneness of Nigeria said there was no need to split the country, saying they should throw away tribalism because one of the problems that is about to come unto this nation is going to be because of tribalism.

“We met this nation this way; let’s build it and repair it. We should see ourselves as one, whether one is Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba; we are one; it is one flesh, one blood. No matter who is at the top, let others support him and build the nation.”

Oluwo who appeared in an Igbo attaire at the installation of Leader of Igbo said his decision to bestow such title on Odumegwu born out of his determination to ensure that Nigerian people are living in peace and harmony without any tribalism.

The monarch, who has severally made countless unity and discussions with his northern and Eastern colleagues, disclosed his dress as an insistence on the unity of Nigeria.

Oluwo tasked government to relax policies militating the oneness of Nigeria such as the state of origin certificate, restriction of political aspirations to once immediate environment and many others.

He said ethnic divide has done the nation much damage, beseeching people to appreciate modern practices obtainable in developed nations for national development. He pointed only Lagos and Osun State are accommodating and voting people of different ethnic attachment into the positions of authority.

He advised the wearing of other tribe’s clothes for love and unity to make Nigeria one and preparing a better future for every Nigerian regardless of where they chose to live. He equally implore other kings to adopt every Nigerian as their own child

He pointed palaces are central actors in vital exclusive decisions most especially in the promotion of unity in the country, appealing to monarchs across the country to treat Nigerians equally and make their palace open to everyone.

Oba Akanbi noted the religious and ethnic clashes have seriously dwindled Nigeria economy to the incoveneincy of all, imploring monarchs to come together and issue a strong communiqué to make the palace a rally point for Nigerians irrespective of ethnic attachment.

He said many ethnic clashes would have been foiled should people see every monarch as their father and central authority. He pointed the authority of the place discriminate nor stigmatize but only acted as father to all parties involved in an issue.

In his words “Palace is a rally point and general place for every Nigerian. It jumps political, religious, ethnic and economic barrier. Everyone, irrespective of your location should be able to approach any palace and make your request. Palace belongs to Nigerians not certain ethnic class”

“Unlike Mosque and Church where Muslims and Christians have respective exclusive access to, palace should accommodate everyone whether you are Muslim or Christian, Yoruba, Hausa or Ibo. As fathers to the nation, we left no alternative than to make our palaces accessible to all Nigerians and be prompt in the intervening in any brewing issue before germinate to external crisis”

“The traditional stereotype attached to the palace must be addressed. We owe a duty of establishing the pureness of our respective palace. doing this will convince the populace that no one is spiritually affected in the palace”

Oluwo noted palaces jump many interests such as religious, political, economic, and even ethnic that constitute barriers to amicable mediation among Nigerians. He stated the purported traditional stereotype associated with palaces has discouraged many from accessing the rally point (Palace), establishing the pureness of modern stools that accommodates all and sundry

Oluwo calls for harmonization of interest to facilitate the much needed national integration to halt ethnic killings and make Nigeria an indivisible entity.

The event was well attended by many traditional rulers and stakeholders within and outside Osun State.