Amid knocks from various quarters over his reported adoption of Emir title , the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I has denied adopting emir title .
The monarch was said to have adopted the title by virtue of his status as an Islamic monarch of high repute in Yorubaland at the installation of Sheik Yahqub Abdul-Baaqi as the first Waziri of Yoruba land.
But Oba Akanbi in a statement issued Sunday by his media aide, Mr. Alli Ibraheem describing the report as a product of misconception utilized by the enemies of Yoruba race to demean the revered paramount stool of Oluwo.
Oba Akanbi said he only disclosed he can also be called an Emir by his Muslim admires especially the Hausas who cannot pronounce Oba correctly.
He described those condemning him for the report as ignorance of his true position, imploring media commentators to acquaint themselves with the correct position before launching comment.
According to Ibraheem, there was never a time Oluwo dropped Oba title for Emir challenging those who reported the story to come with the factual evidence of the purported adoption.
The statement reads “Oluwo never adopt Emir title, he only said he can also be called an Emir by the Hausas and ardent Muslims. Oba Akanbi is an Oba for the nation with special attachment to the Yorubas. He promotes Yoruba culture to the admiration of many youth. Just because of Oluwo dressing codes today, many children are attracted to Yoruba culture wearing Aso Ofi”.
“I said so to integrate Nigeria nation as an indivisible entity. All working tools are available for the integration and unity of our dear country. I`ve visited the North several times. Core Hausas hardly pronounce Yoruba words correctly. They called me Emir when I am with them. Is there anything wrong in answerable to such? Even, the Hausas in Iwo here call me Emir. Will I stop them from addressing me as such? No, I am a father to the nation being a first class paramount ruler”
He further stated his total conducts are tailored towards the promotion of Yoruba traits as laid by Oduduwa, our founding father. My dress is a respect to Yoruba. Yoruba heritage is the best worldwide. We are the hope of not only Nigeria but alos the black race. Our conducts are undeniable. The corruption part of it is what I am checkmating”
The purported adoption has generated condemnation and call for the dethrone of the monarch.