SPEECH BY THE PARAMOUNT RULER OF IWOLAND, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, OBA (DR.) ABDULROSHEED ADEWALE AKANBI, TELU I AT THE 32ND EDITION OF THE ANNUAL IWO DAY CELEBRATION HELD TODAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023, AT OLUWO TOWNSHIP STADIUM, IWO, OSUN STATE.
I must register my salutations to the King of kings, Alpha and Omega, Giver and Taker, The All-knowing, The one and only Creator (Olodumare). All glory and adoration to HIM, the Highest, Almighty God.
I commend the umbrella body of all community development associations, the Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) under the leadership of Prof. Lai Olurode. The board has recorded unimaginable achievements since its inauguration just over a year ago. I extend my commendation to the Central Working Committee and all subcommittees of the Iwo Day Planning Committee under its chairperson, our ever-charming Olori Iyabo Lamuye. I commend you all for your unwavering commitment to the development of Iwo.
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Navigating a new course for the home of parrots (Iwo) since my enthronement as the 16th Oluwo of Iwoland has been eventful. I’ve challenged and broken the physical and spiritual limitations militating against the growth and development of the land. I brought a new dimension to kingship such that, monarchy is now the envy of many youth.
Equally, kingship has been redefined as a position of service to humanity. Responsible kings are expected to be servants to their people. I can proudly say it, I’m serving and will continue to serve Iwo and humanity at large.
Today, Iwo is known for its vigorous media presence. The era of oblivion has gone. My sacrificial conduct is a lesson for every aspiring son and daughter of Iwo. I don’t engage in personal vendetta. I engage anyone with a mindset to set Iwo back. With the cooperation and support of meaningful sons and daughters of Iwo at home and abroad, I’ve silenced those holding Iwo down.
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We have placed resourceful and patriotic individuals at the centre of decision-making in our land, the results of which you are all seeing today such as the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, which inshallah, we will lobby education stakeholders for to become a federal university.
You will recall that some four years or so ago, I as the Chief Patron of IBOT directed the body to move the venue of Iwo Day anniversary to Oluwo Township stadium. The upgrading of the stadium commenced early this year under the aegis of the Iwo Board of Trustees.
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I commissioned the new 400-seater pavilion early this week. There are yet other epoch-making developments – work is ongoing on the construction of an international museum in the palace, construction of an arc of Triumph personally being financed by myself (Oluwo) and road rehabilitation among others.
With the power and strength of Olodumare, I have activated Iwo’s journey to greatness. Patriotic individuals who share similar dreams and drum support my efforts are acknowledged. Those parading themselves as antagonists are enjoined to have a rethink (Oko Noah ni Oluwo).
I’m assuring you all, irrespective of your dispositions, that Iwo’s greatness is unstoppable and non-negotiable. Let us unite to bring the best out of our land and to our land. I thank you all for your lavish support. Also, I will never rest on my oars on matters affecting Iwo. I urge you to regard Iwo as your first destination for investment.
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On the unity of Iwoland, the local government creation is for administrative purposes. We are stronger and better in unity most especially in attracting political positions and dividends to the land. The more drums of disunity are raised, the lower the chance of getting juicy dividends. Those who trust in unity should promote it. Those who think they don’t need others may not grow better. There is strength in unity. We have the power. To enjoy it better, let’s be one and encourage our children to register massively for voter’s cards.
The source of capital resources is the idea. Ideas not money rule the world. We have the record as the most populous local government in Osun. The advantage has to be converted to use by ensuring massive registration for voter’s register. Iwo in the diaspora should make patriotic sacrifices for the town by ensuring they are duly registered and vote in Iwo.
This singular possessive attribute will proliferate our political relevancy and place us further at the centre of decision-making. I’m sure, in my lifetime, Iwo will produce a Governor of the state and president of the country. It’s our collective responsibility. The work starts now. Let’s all rise. It’s left to us, all of us.