(VIDEO) Oluwo of Iwo Apologises for Ancestors’ Role in Slave Trade, Urges African Youths to Seek Renewal
Favour Rotimi
The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has publicly apologised to Nigerians and Africans for the role played by some traditional leaders and ancestors in facilitating the transatlantic slave trade.
Speaking at the Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in Lagos conference organised by the TAAF Foundation and the ECOWAS Commission, held at the Mike Adenuga Centre (Alliance Française de Lagos), Ikoyi, Lagos, Oba Akanbi said the painful history of slavery could not have happened without the collaboration of some African leaders.
“The white man didn’t just come here and take slaves; it was the collaboration of the leaders,” he said. “So, as your leader, I apologise as a king. I know my forefathers have done some wrongs, and I apologise to Nigerians.”
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The monarch recalled delivering a similar apology in England, accompanied by APC Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, where he expressed regret for the complicity of African leaders in the slave trade.
“How could people just invade a sovereign territory and pack others away? Some sold their children into slavery for ordinary mirrors and gin,” he lamented. “Unfortunately, the white people did not sell their children in exchange for gold, but our forefathers sold theirs for drinks that finished in minutes.”
Oba Akanbi urged African youths to reflect deeply on history and work towards personal and societal renewal. “Youths, you can’t grow up like this. You must change your mind and your destiny. The ancestral curse must be broken over you,” he declared.
The conference, attended by traditional leaders, diplomats, and youth representatives, focused on fostering unity and healing historical wounds among African communities.
