Osun State, Nigeria – A fresh royal dispute has erupted between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over allegations of a deliberate attempt to undermine the Oluwo.
Oba Akanbi accused the Ooni of orchestrating his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas, despite his claims of innocence. He also alleged that Ooni Ogunwusi publicly embarrassed him before Governor Ademola Adeleke at a recent traditional council meeting.
In a detailed statement, the Oluwo recounted his past relationship with the Ooni, revealing that he played a significant role in Ogunwusi’s ascension to the throne in 2015. He claimed that he facilitated the resolution of a court case that had threatened the Ooni’s kingship.
“To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me,” Oluwo said. “He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas and is using some kings in Iwoland to destabilize my territory.”
Oluwo further accused the Ooni of fueling opposition against him, including attempts to remove him as monarch and using his former wife against him. However, he insisted that his position as Oluwo remains secure.
Ooni’s Palace Responds
Reacting to the allegations, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Otunba Moses Olafare, dismissed the claims as “baseless and reckless.” He argued that Oluwo’s suspension was a result of his own actions, including allegedly fighting a fellow monarch in public.
“The Ooni could not have plotted his suspension; it was his recklessness that led to it,” Olafare stated. “A committee investigated the matter and recommended his suspension.”
He also refuted claims that the Ooni sought to embarrass Oluwo, saying the Ife monarch only advised him to respect traditional religion.
“When he was to become the Oluwo, the Ooni supported him, provided financial assistance, and even gave a car to honor his enthronement. Oluwo needs to focus on real issues,” Olafare added.
The dispute has stirred reactions within the Yoruba traditional leadership, with observers watching closely for further developments.
