The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has said he would lay down his life to ward off evil against his subjects and his town.
He expressed joy over the peace and progress in Iwo since he became traditional ruler and assured that more development would come to Iwo in no distant future.
He this during the Iwo Day Celebration attended by indigenes of Iwo and important personalities in the state.
He said, “I’m excited because Iwo is progressing and peaceful. We are happy. We love this town. My people love me. We thank God Almighty.”
“Any evil that will attack any Iwo indigene should come to me. I’m ready to lay my life down for Iwo indigenes. You cannot attack Iwo indigenes and succeed when I’m alive. And no evil can conquer me.”
The monarch said his dream was to see the ancient town greater than Lagos in the future and that his efforts was tailored towards building a distinctively economic vibrant metropolis.
He urged all stakeholders to complement his endeavours towards restoring the glory of Iwo.
He reiterated his commitment to take Iwo to higher heights through vigorous and rigorous exercise of traditional influence.
Oba Akanbi called on well meaning sons and daughters of Iwoland to more dedicated to Iwo through harmonization of interest at securing a better future for the land.
According to him, “In 1931, according to census conducted, Iwo was the 5th largest city after Lagos, Ibadan, Kano and Ogbomoso. But certain factors that cannot be discussed here caused a monumental drawback. I’ve come to reclaim and restore the glory of the town to compete favourably with Lagos, Kano and other great cities”
“I’m trying my utmost through traditional influence. Occasionally, I act like a boy, I don’t mine presenting myself a party man if such will be to the advantage of my town”
“While I acknowledge the efforts of the patriots, I want to charge them to continuously toe the path of honour. I look up to setting up a powerful team that we designed 2030, 2040 and 2050 visions for Iwoland. We should have a plan of action at interval to economically, politically, socially and educationally shaped the fortune of our great land, Iwo, the home of parrot.
“I appeal to every parent to encourage their children to be loyal and patriotic. Iwo is business friendly and safe for investment. Let’s harmonize interest to bring out the best in us.
“My enthronement heralded unprecedented recognition for Iwo. Development is in stages. We have successfully established our Oba Akanbi urged all Iwo indigenes to cooperate and collaborate in the efforts to give the ancient town a face-lift.
