The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, a prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, Nigeria, has come under fire after a video emerged showing him joyfully renewing his Canadian passport and proclaiming Canada as the “best of the best countries in the world.” The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, has raised questions about patriotism among Nigerian leaders.
In the 45-second video recorded at a Service Canada passport office, the monarch, dressed in a beige tracksuit, cap, and sunglasses, displays his old passport with holes punched in it, a standard procedure to invalidate expired documents, and his newly issued one. He enthusiastically describes the efficient 24-hour renewal process before making his bold declaration.
“You can see, they have to punch holes on them, so I got a new one… Another 10 years… passport renewal… of the best country in the world. Nigeria is going to be best, too. But right now, Canada is the best of the best countries in the world. I love Canada,” Oba Akanbi says in the clip.
Many viewers interpreted the statement as a slight against Nigeria, especially coming from a figure expected to embody national pride and cultural heritage.
Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, born on June 21, 1967, in Iwo, ascended the throne as the 16th Oluwo in 2015. He has Canadian citizenship, having lived in the country prior to his enthronement, and his reign has been marked by several controversies. In 2024, reports surfaced about his past imprisonment in the United States on fraud-related charges, which he has disputed. Earlier this year, he announced plans to adopt the title “Alaafin of Iwo,” further stirring debates about traditional protocols.
Public reaction on X has been largely negative, with users accusing the king of undermining Nigerian sovereignty and setting a poor example. One reply from @Iamgideone stated, “This man is not fit to be called an Ọba in Yoruba land.” Another user, @OmoYakubu1, quipped, “Drug testing in IPEBI should be in order now,” referencing the traditional Yoruba seclusion period for new kings. A quote post by @Letter_to_Jack, which received 94 likes, lamented, “See person wey people dey call King. This is so shameful.”
However, not all responses were critical. Some users defended the monarch, pointing to systemic issues in Nigeria that make foreign systems appealing. @hossyjay1988 wrote, “You want to blame him? Instead fix our country we all have a role to play. Leadership failure, bad followership impunity and nepotism.” @Gabriel18906129 added, “To b fair to him..he did say Nigeria was getting there too.”
Others highlighted frustrations with Nigeria’s passport renewal process, with @Dapsijaiye sharing a personal story of delays and unresponsiveness from Nigerian immigration authorities.
The incident comes amid broader discussions on “japa” (Nigerian slang for emigration) and dual citizenship among elites, with many Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad due to economic hardships and inefficiencies at home.
While Oba Akanbi qualified his praise by expressing hope for Nigeria’s future, critics argue that as a custodian of Yoruba culture and a symbol of national identity, his words carry significant weight and could discourage patriotism among his subjects.
As of now, the Oluwo’s palace has not issued an official response to the backlash. The video continues to circulate, fueling debates on social media about the role of traditional rulers in promoting national unity.
