By Nusaybah Osunleke, Osun
The ancient town of Iwo last Saturday was thrown into merriment as the Iwo-born Lagos based business cognate, Alhaji Sikiru Wahab Atanda was installed as the Otunba of Iwoland.
He was installed alongside his wife, Alhaja Aishat Wahab, as Yeye Otunba of Iwoland. Barrister Basiru Quadri was also installed as the Ekaarun of Iwoland.
The Oluwo of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, expressed hope on the choice of Sikiru Atanda as the Otunba of Iwoland to complement his efforts at profiling positive image of Iwo.
Oba Akanbi enjoined recipients of the titles to channel their respective office in complementing the efforts of the palace in facilitating anticipated developments to Iwoland.
While addressing people in his palace at the installation ceremony, Oba Akanbi stated Iwo honorary titles are exclusive for people of modest character, saying the antecedents of recipients and prospective expectations from their pedigree earned them the title.
He charged the recipients to protect Iwo interest at all cost and device the privilege in attracting investors and improving people’s standard of living in the town.
He described Traditional honourary titles as necessary to complement palace efforts at facilitating development to the town.
He expressed the hope of maxima performance of the recipients in promoting Iwoland and her people as he cautioned them against betraying the palace.
In his remarks, Otunba of Iwoland, Chief Sikiru Wahab Atanda, expressed gratitudes to Oluwo for honouring him with the title.
Otunba thereafter assured Oluwo of his loyalty at all cost as he promised to complement his unrepentant agitations to having Iwo of our dream. He further disclosed the office as the 48th and most valuable of his honourary traditional titles. He expressed his happiness it came from his hometown. He assured Oluwo to utilize the title honourably and attract development oriented personalities to Iwoland”.
“The installation of Alhaji Sikiru Wahab Atanda as Otunba of Iwoland is to complement my efforts at promoting the collective interest of the town. I’ve the hope the recipients will live up to expectations by defending the interest of the palace and the land”.
“Undoubtedly, there will be challenges for joining the ship of facilitating development to Iwoland. The enemies within will challenge you and try to discourage you in bringing Iwoland to limelight. When those challenges come, be ready to pay the price and you will be protected and guided by God”.
“I want to charge you to conduct yourself better. You are now image of Oluwo and Iwo.
You have to be upright, modest and royale most especially in public as one of the symbols of the palace. Ensure you guide your actions and inactions as an ambassador of Iwoland and your respective family”.
“The people’s expectation is high. Be more committed to fair hearing in representing Oluwo in conflict resolution and ensure the integrity of your family is protected”.
“I tasked all sons and daughters of Iwoland to cooperate with the palace in ensuring people’s standard of living are improved”
