A video of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, expressing joy after renewing his Canadian passport has recently gone viral, triggering criticism and condemnation from some Nigerians. In the clip, the king proudly displays his old and new passports and praises Canada as “the best of the best country in the world,” while also expressing hope that Nigeria will rise to a similar status.

While many were quick to attack his statement, the backlash is both unfair and, in many cases, deeply hypocritical. Here are five solid reasons why anyone in his position—having lived in Canada and just renewed their visa or passport—would feel genuinely happy:

1. Canada Offers Stability, Security, and Predictability

Anyone who has experienced life in Canada can attest to the sense of safety, political stability, and efficient public services the country provides. From healthcare to public infrastructure and civil liberties, Canada sets a high standard. For someone who travels frequently or has lived there, renewing a Canadian passport is not just a formality—it’s a reaffirmation of access to that stability.

2. Fast and Transparent Passport Services

In the video, the king mentions getting his passport renewed within 24 hours—a process that highlights the efficiency of the Canadian immigration and documentation system. Compared to the long delays, bottlenecks, and rising costs recently announced in Nigeria (₦100,000–₦200,000 for a passport), Canada’s transparent and predictable system is a major reason for celebration.

3. Dual Identity Is Not a Crime

It’s important to remember that the king did not insult Nigeria. On the contrary, he expressed hope for its future. Having a second nationality or appreciating the strengths of another country does not mean one hates their homeland. Many prominent Nigerians—including critics—have foreign passports or send their children abroad. To criticize the king for publicly acknowledging his appreciation for Canada is deeply hypocritical.

4. Gratitude Is Natural

Living in a country that has given you peace, opportunity, and rights others only dream of naturally breeds gratitude. The king’s public appreciation of Canada should be seen as an expression of that gratitude—not a betrayal of Nigeria. It’s human nature to be thankful for environments where one has thrived.

5. Celebrating Another Country Doesn’t Diminish Nigeria

Saying “Canada is the best” is not the same as saying Nigeria is the worst. It’s possible to love Nigeria and still recognize where it falls short. Instead of attacking the king, critics should ask themselves: Why can’t we build a Nigeria that inspires this kind of pride, efficiency, and confidence?

Many of those attacking the king are doing so from the comfort of countries like Canada, the UK, or the US—or they aspire to leave Nigeria at the first opportunity. The outrage is, in many cases, performative and hypocritical.

The Oluwo’s statement was neither treasonous nor insulting. It was a heartfelt moment of joy from someone renewing ties with a country that has served him well. Instead of condemning him, perhaps we should redirect that energy toward improving Nigeria—so that someday, our own passport renewal brings just as much joy.