By Gbenga Olarinoye

IN his determination to ensure speedy development of his community, a traditional ruler in Osun State, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi has taken the bull by the horn when he recently led others in the rehabilitation of Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Federal road which has since been abandoned by motorists due to its poor condition.

•Oluwo of Iwoland: Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi

The monarch explained that the patching of Iwo/Osogbo road which he personally supervised was part of his initiatives to assist his community for the betterment of his people.

Oluwo said: “When I came out to patch the Iwo/Osogbo road that linked my town to the state capital, my action seemed strange to many people who saw me on the road during the exercise because they felt it was a taboo for the Oba to be patching the road but I do not see it that way because I’m serving my people.

“I was determined to make that road motorable in the best interest of economy of my town because we cannot afford to be cut off from the state capital. That road is central to the economic development of Iwo.”

The monarch commended members of National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) for coming out to join him in patching the road.

Oluwo observed that if he did not start the patching of the road, the NURTW and RTEAN members would not see reason to do so and they could use alternative roads, reducing chances of Iwo in terms of economic development.

Commending the state government, the monarch described Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a leader with vision for development. He noted that in spite of paucity of fund, there was unprecedented development in Osun state within the last six years that Aregbesola became governor.

Oba Akanbi expressed his determination to complement effort of the state government by embarking on programmes and project that would impact positively on his subject’s welfare.

He urged monarchs in the country to de-emphasise myths and superstitions that confined them so as to become accessible and mix well with their subjects in order to render social services in their respective domains.

Speaking at a forum in Osogbo, the Oluwo noted that myths and superstitions have made it difficult for most traditional rulers to interact with people and be able to attract development to their communities.

He noted that the era of monarch’s acting like Lords is over, adding that what should be central to a traditional ruler now is service to his subjects.