The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, recently welcomed selected Fulani herdsmen from Ola Oluwa Local Government Area of Iwoland, Osun State, to his palace. During the meeting, Oba Akanbi highlighted the long-standing peaceful coexistence between the Fulani and Yoruba communities in Iwoland and urged continued collaboration to prevent the infiltration of suspicious outsiders into the region.
Call for Security Cooperation
Oluwo charged the herdsmen to assist in gathering security intelligence within their areas and to resist any temptations from external elements recruiting locals as informants. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and unity in safeguarding the land from potential threats.
Response from Fulani Leader
In response, the Seriki Fulani of Ola Oluwa, Abubakar Sidik, described Iwo as their ancestral home and pledged full support to the monarch in securing the area from banditry. Sidik stated, “Iwo is my ancestral home. My great-grandparents were born here in Iwo. These children you see here know no other place. Their great-grandparents were born and died on Iwo soil. If asked where they come from, they will say Iwo. Kabiesi, I assure you, the bad among them will reform. Your vision for Iwoland will be realized.”
He added, “I am glad this meeting took place. I am confident your voice will make a difference. My great-grandparents were the first Fulani to settle on Iwo soil. Kabiesi, I cannot allow anyone to tarnish the good name and legacy they left behind. These children are under my watch, and they are all listening. I promise they will change their ways with your guidance and my close supervision.”
Monarch's Gesture and Message
Oluwo adopted the herdsmen as his children and presented them with cash and foodstuffs as gifts. The monarch urged Nigerians to move beyond ethnic stereotypes, noting that every tribe has a few bad elements. He called for unity and mutual respect among all ethnic groups.
