Some moments ago, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, was granted an interview by the Nigerian Tribune where he spoke about Pete Edochie who, while greeting the Ooni of Ife at an event some weeks ago, shook hands with him.
King AbdulRasheed Akanbi said, “as a custodian of the Yoruba culture and tradition, I won’t shake hands with Pete Edochie if I were in same situation as the Ooni of Ife. If you are approaching to greet me and you can’t bow (before me), then keep your greeting.” He added, “I have actually met eminent Nigerians who would greet me with humility and I will in return extend my hand to shake them.”
Speaking further, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi said, “great men, who are symbols of humility like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and others bowed when they greeted me. I can even show you pictures showing the moments they did.”
Again, the Oluwo of Iwo said, “in the north, if you attend public functions, only the President can sit with the traditional rulers. Ministers, governors and other political office holders will sit behind their Emirs but in Yoruba land, they relegate the Obas to the back seats, you will be seeing House of Representatives members and Senators at the front, even state house of assembly members will sit ahead of their Obas.”
Lastly, King AbdulRasheed Akanbi said, “in Yoruba land, our Kings have now become powerless. If all Yoruba kings come under the umbrella of Olodumare, we will enjoy the respect we desire. Unfortunately, they believe there are over three hundred gods and not just Olodumare like I believe.”
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