Oluwo of Iwo land Oba Adewale Akanbi has said that he wore a suit and tie to the 65th birthday celebration of Florence Ajimobi, widow of the former governor of Oyo State Abiola Ajimobi, on April 5 because that was the dress code.
Oba Akanbi stated this in an interview with PUNCH published on Sunday.
Mrs Ajimobi’s birthday celebration was held in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.
Oba Akanbi’s choice of outfit was criticised by many on social media.
Responding to the criticism, the monarch said in the interview: “What I wore to Mrs Ajimobi’s birthday party was the dress code for that dinner. The celebrant said ‘dinner party’. As a traditional ruler, you may choose to blend.
Florence Ajimobi celebrates 65th birthday in Lagos
“Wearing white lace or the likes is not my culture, I wear ofi, aran, sanyan, alari, dansiki, dandogo, and kembe. All those are traditional attire. But when I am going to a private party which is a night party, and the celebrant says ‘black tie’, I have to comply.”
The traditional ruler said he does not “read social media comments because some people can be rude.”
“I believe in myself, my culture, my tradition, and I do that to the extreme,” he said.
Oba Akanbi added that as one who advocates for the use of Nigeria-made products, his suit was made from local fabric.
On the reason why his public appearances often attract controversies, he said: “I am a king; a modern-day king with the right exposure and contact. I am a king who values Yoruba culture. I have proven that times without number with my public appearance.”
