The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, recently shared a story about his experience with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, during a visit to his palace. In a video circulating on social media, the Ooni recounted how he was abruptly asked to leave the Oluwo’s palace.
He explained that since that incident, he has kept his distance from the Oluwo and has chosen to manage his behavior. The Ooni remarked, “When I went to see Oluwo, he dismissed me like a child. Since then, I’ve been cautious about approaching him. Now, as you all encourage me to visit again, I wonder what might happen.”
Despite this, he emphasized his role as an elder, even as a younger monarch, saying, “I must address his excesses respectfully. Oluwo, I salute you.”
In another video, the Oluwo urged the people of Osun State to reject traditional practices, cautioning that those who wish to participate should do so privately. He stated, “As a monarch, my duty is to promote the worship of God alone and to challenge those who venerate other deities. I do not partake in idol festivals. While I have celebrated the Egungun festival in the past, I will not do so again unless it’s framed differently. I do not endorse those practices, which is why such activities do not flourish here.”
He further warned against sacrifices in Iwo, insisting that anyone attempting such acts would face repercussions. “Cleanliness has been prioritized here to prevent these practices. To achieve success, one must confront idols and their worshippers, thus becoming a soldier of God.”
