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Call Me His Imperial Majesty, Not Royal Majesty – Oluwo

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The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has officially declared that he should be addressed as His Imperial Majesty and not His Royal Majesty. The directive was made public through a statement personally signed by the monarch and posted on his Facebook page on Sunday.

This announcement has sparked reactions across Nigeria, especially within traditional circles and among the people of Iwo. The title change, according to the Oluwo, reflects the historical and cultural significance of his throne, which he says stands out among other traditional titles in Yorubaland.

Oba Akanbi explained that the reason for this change is rooted in the unique heritage of the Iwo monarchy. Unlike many other towns in Yorubaland, where leaders were promoted from the status of Baale (local chieftains) to Oba (kings), Iwo’s royal lineage is distinct. From its inception, the throne of Iwo has been that of a paramount ruler, a position of supreme authority directly linked to the royal bloodline of Oduduwa, the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba people.

Oba Akanbi emphasized the special status of his stool, stating that Iwo had never been ruled by a Baale. “The stool of Oluwo commands the respect of the direct blood of Oduduwa,” the monarch declared. He explained that the Oluwo’s position has always been a paramount crown, unlike other Yoruba towns where leadership titles were upgraded over time.

“Unlike many other stools in Yorubaland, Iwo stool was never upgraded from Baaleship. It is a natural Paramount crown from formation,” the Oluwo wrote, adding that his position as Oluwo holds a long-standing, unchallenged authority.

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For the Oluwo, the proper form of address carries great weight. Oba Akanbi warned that any correspondence addressed to him with the title His Royal Majesty would not be acknowledged. He drew a comparison to military and medical ranks, saying, “No General will love to be called a sergeant, likewise no Doctor will answer the name of a nurse.”

The Oluwo believes that failing to use the title His Imperial Majesty diminishes the authority of his throne and does not reflect the true status of his office. He stressed that the unique position of the Oluwo, both culturally and historically, commands a greater level of respect than that accorded to other Yoruba rulers who were not born into paramount crowns.

This directive, therefore, is not just a matter of personal preference but one deeply connected to the traditions and history of Iwo. The monarch’s decision has caused a stir, with some hailing it as a necessary move to preserve the dignity of his throne, while others see it as a break from the norm.

Oba Akanbi has often positioned himself as a defender of traditional Yoruba values and has frequently referred to the deep roots of his throne. He noted in his statement that the Oluwo is not subordinate to any other ruler. In fact, the monarch has personally crowned over 30 other kings in the Iwo region, further reinforcing his position as a leader of leaders.

“Oluwo is a viceroy of none. Oluwo has over 30 Obas he crowned,” the monarch stated. This level of authority, according to Oba Akanbi, further justifies his claim to the title His Imperial Majesty.

The term Imperial Majesty is often associated with empires and supreme authority, used to address emperors and monarchs who rule over vast territories and multiple subordinate rulers. In contrast, Royal Majesty is typically used to address kings and queens within a more localized context.

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