Monday 26th July, 2021 will remain indelible in the minds of residents of the ancient town of Oyo, Oyo State, when the third Akosin of Yorubaland was installed by His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.
Distinguished and eminent personalities, captains of industry, members of the National Assembly, public office holders, and traditional rulers from far and near attended the colorful occasion.
Also installed was the wife of Akosin Habeeb Okunola, as the Yeye Akosin of Yorubaland.
But what are the history and significance of Akosin chieftaincy title in Yorubaland?
According to unblemised history, the Akosin belongs to the class of noblemen who rank below the Esos but were distinguished by their absolute loyalty to the Monarch.
“Their strength of character , distinguished achiements , Sterling qualities, and their patriotic contributions to nation building, and the well being of the Empire must be total”.
According to the retired Arch Bishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, and a distinguished member of the Alaafin Royal Dynasty, His Eminence Lawrence Ayo Ladugbolu, who anchored the colurful event, ” As an influential Nobility , Diplomat, and an Ambassador , AKOSIN served on the Oyo Empire War Cabinet that planned the Oyo Army strategies which led to the.crushing defeat of the Ashante Army at the 1764 Atakpame War.
“The socio economic counsel and poverty alleviation strategies of the modern day AKOSIN well remain valuable in our common battle against ignorance, bigotry, poverty and injustice”.
He went further, ” the title AKOSIN was also conferred on Principal female ILARIS ( who are titled close Personal Aides and Advisors of the Alaafin) in ancient times. In the olden days, the King’s special aides are identified by the psecial.plaiting of their hairs. Each plait hair is connected with either an attribute of the King or his attitude to the prevailing situation (s). The Ilaris who are special.emisaries of the King , and also serve as his Ambassadors in sensitive State matters. While the hair plaits have gone into extinction, the IIlaris still exist in the Alaafin’s Palace rendering both administrative and diplomatic services.
” The last recorded holder of the AIOSIN Chieftaincy Title belonged to the Obaleke/ Ogunwenu Family whose progenitors domiciled between Aba – Anti and the present day Oluwatedo in Oyo. They were strongly connected with the Aresa Dynasty from their geneaological roots. They are therefore popularly linked with Iresa cognomen , and the symbolism of the Palm Oil and Horse Tail.”.
Ladigbolu further explained that as Nobility within the Empire, the AKOSIN has a special close relationship with the Alaafin, and free access to the Monarch’s inner Chambers as a confidant.
Said he, ‘ it is therefore a great honour and a thing of Oyo that Iku Baba Yeye , the Alaafin has found in this Jubilee Year of his 50th Coronation Anniversary , a modern visionary leader of noble birth , imbued with foresight , drive and determination , to occupy the exalted office of AKOSIN of YORUBALAND.
” The Chief Executive Officer of TILT Group , HABEEB ISHOLA OLAMILEKAN OKUNOLA is a leader of leaders in various industries , a friend of the poor and the downtrodden, and an ardent believer in ‘ empowerment as a proof of wealth’ .
” After waiting patiently, watchfully and determinedly, Iku Baba Yeye has found a global citizen and native son of the Yoruba Nation who will deploy his endowments and resources and his special closeness to the throne , to adding greater value to the reinvigoration and restoration of Cultural and ethical ethos of the Yorùbá Nation”.
Before the commencement of the programme, drugs worth N2 million were procured for the Oyo Health Centre located near the palace by the Habeeb Okunola Foundation.
Oye a mori o.
