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“I am the leader of all obas in Yoruba land. I speak with thunder in my mouth and I make bold to say so. No one is above me in Yoruba land in as much as it has been accepted that we are from Ife. I am the one that Oduduwa met at Ife. We are the husband of Moremi Ajasoro. Anyone who wants real Yoruba blessing should approach me. I am the one bestowed with the power.”
Those were the words of the Olugbo of Ugbo land, Oba Obateru Akinruntan. He spoke in Ibadan on Sunday at the 30th anniversary of broadcasting of popular independent broadcaster, Kola Olootu.
Oba Akinruntan, who is the Chairman, Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committee, said he the custodian of the authentic history of the Yoruba race.
He said had published a book on the true history of Yoruba race, which placed the Olugbo above all other monarchs in Yoruba land. According to him, he was on the verge of publishing volume two of the book.
The monarch said he was aware of some critics of his works and historical analysis, pointing out that many of them are unhappy that the true position of their lineage was being revealed.
When asked which version is to be taken as the authentic among all the historical accounts, including his own, Akinruntan said his account was most accurate.
“People should face the truth. My account of the history of Yoruba race is the most accurate and authentic. I have published a book on it already. Like I said, Oduduwa met my people in Ife. Don’t mind my critics who use Facebook to abuse me. The truth is that many of them are children of slaves.
“They don’t want the true story of their fathers to be told. Slaves don’t want history to be told. I am bold because I am not a son of a slave. My book is there. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has accepted the book as the authentic history of the Yoruba race. I am about to publish another book on the same subject.” The traditional ruler said.
Reacting, the Director, Media and Public Affairs to the Olubadan, Mr Adeola Oloko, said Oba Saliu Adetunji, was yet to read Olugbo’s book on Yoruba history, saying that after reading the book, the monarch would be glad to respond.