Traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government of Osun State, under the umbrella of Origbo Meje Obas, have strongly criticised the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, accusing him of tarnishing the image of Yoruba royalty.
The monarchs issued the Oluwo a 21-day ultimatum to either provide evidence or withdraw his allegations against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, or face legal consequences.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Acting Vice Chairman of the Ife North Traditional Council, Oba Kehinde Adesoji (the Salu of Edun Abon), accused the Oluwo of making defamatory remarks and undermining the revered stool of the Ooni. He was joined by the Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Meshach Oyediran, and the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede.
Adesoji recalled past controversies involving the Oluwo, including his 2019 suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas after allegedly assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting. “The Council, chaired by the Ooni of Ife, found him guilty and suspended him for six months, a decision that was applauded globally,” he said.
He further noted that the Oluwo’s recent claim—that the Ooni colluded with his ex-wife to poison him—was a criminal allegation that must be proven. “We are giving the Oluwo 21 days to either petition the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, or sue the Ooni in court. Otherwise, the Origbo Meje Obas will initiate legal action,” Adesoji warned.
Despite the warning, Oba Akanbi has vowed to continue his feud with the Ooni. In a video posted on social media, the Oluwo alleged that his former wife was used to set him up. He claimed she poisoned him twice, attempted to record incriminating videos, and was supported by the Ooni even after leaving his palace.
According to him, “The Ooni arranged the woman for me. She lived in my house for over three years, had a child I am not even sure is mine, and twice attempted to poison me. After I sent her away, she went to stay in an apartment allegedly rented for her by the Ooni. This fight will not end, and no one can kill me.”
The ongoing dispute has drawn criticism from fellow monarchs, who insist that the Oluwo’s actions undermine the dignity of Yoruba traditional institutions.
