*praises quest for progress, development
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun on Tuesday, described the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdulRoshid Akanbi Adewale as an asset to mankind.
The Olubadan stated this during his visit to the Oluwo in his palace at Iwo, alongside some of his Olubadan-in-Council members.
Oba Lekan Balogun emphasized that the Oluwo has been demonstrating this through his commitment to growth, progress and development of his people and Yorubaland in general.
The Olubadan while describing the Oluwo as a brilliant monarch pointed out that his activities over the years had proved him as somebody with knack for achievements among which culminated in the recent decision by the two governments of Oyo and Osun States to rehabilitate the road connecting that two states .
Oba Lekan Balogun disclosed that he only came back home on a private visit to his brother and friend.
The Oluwo of Iwo while speaking said the visit was very unique and important to him, saying, “that somebody from Iwo lineage rose to become Olubadan of Ibadanland, the largest city in West Africa and the third of such in the whole continent of Africa during his reign as Oluwo gives me great joy that is even difficult to express.”
“I’m aware that the history of Aliiwo is also traced to Ogbomoso which nobody can dispute, but, the centrality and importance of Iwo makes it special and which is reflected in the suffix-Alli Iwo”, he said.
The Oluwo added, ” they are called by that name because they hail from Iwo, otherwise, they would have called them ‘Alli Ogbomoso’. Frankly speaking, we are one and that’s what we should all hold on to”.
Oba AbdulRashid Akanbi Adewale then thanked the Olubadan and his entourage for the visit, promising to continue doing all within his power and ability to improve his environment, urging for the cooperation and support of all.
“The efforts that produced the rehabilitation result of Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road by the States’ governments concerned are still very much there for similar purpose as occasion may demand”.
Chairman, Iwo Board of Trustees, Prof. Lai Olorode in his welcome address said he could not recall when last an Olubadan visited the ancient Iwo town, noting that though, the late Alaafin visited the town, the visit could not be compared with the one by Olubadan with the massive entourage.
Professor Olorode praised Ibadan for its hospitality, recalling that “it is a place where people go to and make it in life. Yet, it never diminishes in growth, ever-expanding and one other unique characteristic of Ibadans is that they don’t forget home wherever they may be”.
