Traditional rulers in Ife-North Local Government Area of Osun State have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, demanding proof of his claim that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, plotted to assassinate him.
In a viral video circulating on social media, the Oluwo alleged that the Ooni used his former wife, Queen Channel, in an attempt to kill him.
He further declared that the rift between himself and the Ooni would not end.
Reacting to the allegation, the monarchs, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, described the remarks as unbecoming of a traditional ruler. They accused the Oluwo of persistently ridiculing the revered throne of Oduduwa and warned that such conduct would no longer be condoned.
Speaking at his palace in Edunabon on Thursday, the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde, who addressed journalists on behalf of the group, said the Oluwo’s conduct amounted to misbehavior, insult, and gross disrespect to the traditional institution.
READ ALSO: FG’S Deadline for Visa Overstayers Draws Mixed Reactions
“There is no gainsaying about the supremacy of the throne of the Ooni of Ife as the head of all Obas in Yorubaland. Records are in the archive for verification regarding the outbursts of the Oluwo of Iwoland against the Ooni of Ife,” Oba Kehinde said.
He further accused the Oluwo of seeking undue media attention by constantly altering his title.
“It is surprising that the Oluwo is the only Oba in Yorubaland who changes his title every six months, from Emir of Iwo to Alaafin of Iwo, in order to gain media recognition. His actions are bringing disrepute and ridicule to the traditional institutions across Yorubaland,” he stated.
The monarchs therefore directed the Oluwo to substantiate his allegations within 21 days or face legal action.
“We hereby give the Oluwo 21 days to substantiate his claims against the Ooni. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take legal action against him at the expiration of this ultimatum,” Oba Kehinde declared.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
