The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has placed a restriction on alcohol within the palace grounds, saying the move was to maintain the holiness of the royal environment.
The traditional ruler made this known during his 58th birthday celebration, which he marked with a meeting alongside members of his palace staff on Saturday.
A video from the gathering, shared by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, captured the monarch speaking to attendees seated before the main palace structure.
Speaking in Yoruba, the Oluwo told the audience that living in a clean and respectful environment is part of living a holy life.
He explained that the palace, which he described as belonging to Olodumare (God), should remain a place of purity, especially as a mosque is also located on the palace grounds.
“This palace belongs to Olodumare, and there is a mosque over there. We want to get instant answers to our prayers. If you want to make something holy, you must start by making yourself holy first.
“I am taking this decision for you to become someone I will be proud to associate with. If you want to drink alcohol, I beg of you, go outside this premises. Go behind this fence. Go there and drink it, not here,” the monarch said in the viral video clip.
He further noted that the message of holiness must be seen through actions, not only words. “We are preaching holiness. Anything that has to do with alcohol should not be touched on the premises. Anything against God should leave this premises,” the king added.
