A group of traditional rulers from Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, operating under the banner of Origbo Meje Obas, has strongly condemned the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, for allegedly tarnishing the image of Yoruba monarchy.
In a joint press briefing held on Thursday, the monarchs issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Oluwo to either withdraw or provide evidence for his allegations against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, or face legal action.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Acting Vice Chairman of the Ife North Traditional Council, Oba Kehinde Adesoji (Salu of Edun Abon), accused Oluwo of denigrating the revered stool of the Ooni. He demanded a retraction of Oluwo’s comments, which he described as defamatory.
“There is no disputing the Ooni’s supremacy as the head of all Yoruba Obas,” Adesoji said. “Oluwo’s continued self-promotion—changing titles from ‘Emir of Iwo’ to ‘Alaafin of Iwo’—is nothing but a bid for media attention. These actions undermine the dignity of all Yoruba thrones.”
Flanked by other monarchs, including the Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Meshach Oyediran, and the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, Adesoji recalled Oluwo’s 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, found the Oluwo guilty of assault and suspended him for six months—a decision widely applauded,” Adesoji noted.
In a recent video posted on his social media handles, Oba Akanbi reignited controversy by alleging that the Ooni conspired with his ex-wife in an attempt to poison him.
“Ooni doesn’t want me to tell the truth. He planted a woman in my life who poisoned me twice and attempted to assassinate me,” Oluwo claimed. “After I expelled her, the same Ooni accommodated her and her child. I don’t even know if the child is mine. This battle isn’t over—and no one can kill me.”
Oluwo further claimed the Ooni supported his ex-wife with accommodation following her departure from his palace.
Oba Adesoji described Oluwo’s allegations as criminal and challenged him to back his claims with concrete evidence.
“He who alleges must prove. The Oluwo has 21 days to petition the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, or initiate legal action against the Ooni. Failing that, we, the Origbo Meje Obas, will pursue legal steps against him.”
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