Why i want to be addressed as ‘His imperial Majesty’- Oluwo

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, commonly referred to as Telu 1, has articulated his preference for the title “His Imperial Majesty” instead of “His Royal Majesty.” In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, he explained that this preference is rooted in the respect and significance of his position as a direct descendant of Oduduwa, as well as the historical status of the Oluwo throne.

He emphasized that Iwo has never had a Baale (Duke) and, unlike many other towns where kings have been elevated from Baale to Oba (monarch), the Oluwo title has always held a paramount significance. Therefore, he believes that every Oluwo should be addressed as His Imperial Majesty.

In his statement, he declared, “The public, especially those who admire the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, should recognize that the Oluwo is an Imperial Majesty, not merely His Royal Majesty. The Oluwo throne commands respect as it traces its lineage directly to Oduduwa. This title has never been a promotion from a Baale position; it originates as a natural Paramount crown. The Oluwo is a sovereign figure with authority over more than 30 Obas that he has crowned.”

He further insisted, “Thus, the correct address for the Oluwo is His Imperial Majesty. Any correspondence that fails to use this title will not be acknowledged. Just as a general would not wish to be called a sergeant, a doctor would not respond to being called a nurse.”

The Oluwo urged the public, particularly the sons and daughters of Iwo, to formally adopt this designation when addressing him. He pointed out that other first-class Yoruba monarchs, such as the Ooni of Ife, Soun of Ogbomoso, Alaafin of Oyo, and Awujale of Ijebuland, are typically referred to as “His Royal Majesty.”

In 2022, human rights activist and writer Adeola Soetan challenged the use of the title “Imperial Majesty” for traditional rulers. He argued that any Oba who can be suspended or dismissed by a local government chairman or governor cannot rightfully claim such a title, as they lack the sovereignty and territorial power implied by “Imperial Majesty.”

Soetan remarked, “No king in Nigeria holds the title of ‘Imperial Majesty.’ It is self-deception and an exaggerated title for any traditional ruler to refer to themselves in such a manner. In a constitutional democracy, no Oba, Obi, or Emir can be termed Imperial. The appropriate title should be ‘His Highness,’ which is even more suitable than ‘His Royal Highness,’ which is reserved for princes and princesses.”

He recalled being corrected in the 1980s by Prince Oladele Docemo, a notable prince of Lagos, who informed him that “Royal Highness” is a title intended for royalty, meaning a prince or princess enjoying the privilege of His Highness. Soetan noted that his understanding of this distinction deepened during his research into cultural traditions.