A far famed traditional ruler in Osun State, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has unearthed his plan to install a monarch for the Yoruba community in Canada.
This followed an interactive town hall meeting organized by the Yoruba Community Association (YCA) in Canada held at Thistletown Community Centre in Toronto. According to a press statement issued by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oluwo said Yoruba community in Canada are dedicated and deserve to have monarch to be appointed on merit primarily measure by his contribution to Yoruba community at large.
Oluwo noted that the step is needful considering the population and contribution of Yoruba to Canada in all ramification.
The royal father stressed that there will also be provision for the appointment of municipal heads popularly called Baales and chiefs after the installation of Yoruba monarch.
He expressed optimism of seeking approval of the governor, state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola whom he described as progressive governor for the ratification and onward endorsement.
The custodian of culture added that the purpose is not only to register Yoruba presence in Canada but also to educate Yoruba children on the establishment and conduct of traditional rulers as an integral aspect of our culture.
Oba Akanbi paid a glowing tribute to YCA for sustaining the association, just as he urged them to mandate the teaching of Yoruba language and culture for their children.
“I have a special package for you today as one of you before I became traditional ruler. I want Yoruba community in Canada to have Oba (monarch). Apart from due for it, we need to establish the conduct of traditional system of governance and cultural practice to Yoruba children here in Canada. We will start with the appointment of monarch after which municipal heads and chiefs follow”, he said.
Oluwo, decked in “agbada” made from “aso oke”, hinted further that he may begin the process with the installation of Baale, who will eventually be upgraded to Obaship status.
He continued, “the Oba will be approved duely signed and registered in Nigeria with certificate. I will forward the certificate to the governor for ratification of the Oba. I have 32 kings under me in Iwoland where I am the consenting authority to the stools. So, I am a consenting authority to install kings and I can do that here in Canada as one of you”.
The Monarch, also pleaded for unity among the Yoruba indigenes in Canada in the selection of the right candidate, praying for the choice of credible candidate of remarkable achievements to the Yoruba community.
The choice of the qualified candidate will base on what the person has done for the Yoruba community and who can propel the progress of the association”, Oluwo reiterated.
“It is a way of empowering them to be close to Nigeria and also a rallying point in connecting with the Canadian government with a constituted authority in a traditional way. We will be appointing Baale first and then upgraded to kingship status”.
