The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has shared a troubling encounter with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, which has caused a strain in their relationship. In a video circulating on social media, the Ooni recounted how he was treated poorly during a visit to the Oluwo’s palace, leading him to distance himself from the monarch ever since.
During a public event, the Ooni opened up about the incident, expressing his frustration and disappointment. According to him, the Oluwo chased him away “like a child” when he visited the palace. This unexpected and disrespectful treatment left the Ooni hurt, and he has since maintained a respectful distance from Oba Akanbi.
He addressed the issue in a statement, saying, “When I visited Oluwo, he chased me out like a child, since that incident, I have always maintained myself going close to him. Now that you people (attendees) are imploring that I visit him again, what if he does what he likes to me?”
Despite the incident, Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized the need for patience and tolerance as an elder figure, even though he is relatively young. He expressed that, as a custodian of culture and tradition, it is important to maintain decorum and avoid conflict.
“But I have to contain his excesses as an elder, although I am a young person sitting on the throne of the elders. Oluwo, I greet you,” he added, showing a level of grace and respect, even in the face of adversity.
The Ooni’s revelation has sparked discussions among followers of traditional institutions in Nigeria, particularly in the Yoruba land, where monarchs hold significant influence and respect.
Many are concerned about the growing tension between two prominent traditional rulers, as their actions and words are often seen as a reflection of the cultural values of the people they represent.
In a related development, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has been vocal about his views on traditional practices, which appear to be at odds with many other Yoruba rulers.
In another video, Oba Akanbi called on the people of Osun State to reject traditional religious practices and instead focus on monotheistic worship.
He made it clear that he does not support the celebration of traditional festivals like Ogun or Egungun, distancing himself from such events despite having participated in them in the past.
“My work as a monarch is to stand for God and preach about him alone while challenging those worshipping things other than Him. I don’t do Ogun or any idol festival. Although I have previously celebrated the Egungun festival with the worshippers, I will never do that again,” he said, firmly positioning himself against the traditional religious practices that many of his counterparts support.
Oba Akanbi went further to state that he has taken measures to prevent any form of idol worship in Iwo, warning that those who attempt to practice traditional rituals will face the consequences. He stated, “And you cannot even perform sacrifices in Iwo here. Anyone who does that will eat it. Better still, litter your house with the sacrifices.”
