The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, of plotting his downfall despite the assistance he provided to help the Ooni ascend the throne.
In a video shared with Saturday PUNCH, Oluwo revealed that he played a pivotal role in Oba Ogunwusi’s emergence as the Ooni during the 2015 contest.
According to Oluwo, he helped secure a legal victory that cleared the path for Oba Ogunwusi’s appointment, even before his own enthronement as Oluwo of Iwoland.
However, Oluwo now claims that the Ooni has been scheming against him, alleging that the Ooni was responsible for his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas a few years ago.
Despite these allegations, the Ooni’s camp dismissed the accusations, stating that they would not respond to Oluwo’s claims as it is not the first time he has made such statements.
In the video, which was confirmed by Oluwo’s Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, during a Ramadan lecture in Iwo on Wednesday, Oluwo detailed how he had been contacted by Akin Daodu, an ally of the then Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who sought his help regarding a court case that could have hindered Ogunwusi’s ascension.
Oluwo recounted that he intervened to resolve the issue, ensuring that Oba Ogunwusi became Ooni just a day after the case was settled.
Oluwo expressed surprise at the alleged betrayal, stating that the same person he had helped to become the Ooni had been working against him.
He accused the Ooni of destabilizing his domain by using other kings to undermine his rule and falsely accusing him of discouraging idol worship.
Despite the allegations, the Ooni’s Media Director, Chief Moses Olafare, dismissed Oluwo’s comments, stating that they would not respond to the claims as they were not new. Olafare emphasized that the Ooni is focused on development and does not have time for such distractions.
