Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi who is the Oluwo of Iwo, has said that only the council of traditional rulers in Yorubaland can decide if there will be Oduduwa nation or not.
The Osun monarch who said this while reacting to a publication that quoted him as saying whoever from Yorubaland that does not vote for Bola Tinubu in 2023 is a bastard, said in an interview with Sahara Reporters that he made the comment because he has always wanted the unity of the Yoruba people.
Oba Akanbi said;
“About endorsing Tinubu, I’m not a politician, so I don’t endorse people to vie for political seats. All I was trying to say was that Yoruba people should unite to vote for our own people if the opportunity presents itself. If you look at me very well, I have always wanted the unity of the Yoruba people.”
He added that before the narrative of Oduduwa Republic is pushed forward, South-Westerners should think of self-sustainability. The Oluwo of Iwo also accused members of socio-cultural organisations of pursuing their own selfish interest.
The Monarch added;
“Have you thought about the allocation of the civil servants? Have you thought about how to generate revenue to pay them? Have you thought about how to be financially independent? For instance, in Osun State, about N2 billion is needed to pay civil servants, have you considered that?
“Then, you will think of other states. We have six states in the South-West, it seems only Lagos State has the capacity. This agitation for self-determination calls for wisdom and consideration.
“The Afenifere has been politicised. It is only a few members among them that have the interest of the Yoruba at heart. Ask them if they have carried the traditional rulers along. In Yorubaland, if they truly know history and culture, they should know that it is the paramount rulers that have the final say.
“In their agitation for Oduduwa nation, have they carried the traditional rulers along? They have to adhere strictly to the decision of the traditional rulers in Yorubaland. I’m talking about the council of Obas in Yorubaland. There is only one council of traditional rulers, and whatever their decision is, is final.
“It is when the paramount rulers have come together to say this is where we are going. Unfortunately, the traditional rulers are not united. You will discover that this one says this, the other says that. We cannot achieve anything tangible with that. It is when the traditional rulers unite and unanimously speak, that is when we know that the Yoruba nation is ready.”
