The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has shared a memorable encounter with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, during a recent visit to his palace.
In a video circulating on social media, the Ooni recounted how he felt dismissed during his visit, saying, “When I went to see the Oluwo, he chased me away like a child. Since that day, I’ve kept my distance from him. As you all encourage me to return, I wonder if he might treat me the same way again.”
He added, “As an elder, I must manage his behaviour, even though I’m a younger king among my peers. Oluwo, I acknowledge you.”
In a separate video, Oluwo Akanbi addressed the residents of Osun State, urging them to reject traditional practices and cautioning that those who engage in such rituals should do so privately.
“My role as a monarch is representing God and promoting His teachings while opposing idol worship. I do not partake in Ogun or any idol festivals. Although I have participated in the Egungun festival before, I will not do so again,” he stated.
He emphasised, “As long as they don’t refer to it as idol worship, I do not endorse their practices, and I will not allow them to prosper here. Sacrifices cannot be performed in Iwo; anyone who attempts to do so will face consequences. If you must make sacrifices, keep them within your own home.”
Akanbi further noted that efforts have been made to maintain environmental sanitation in the area to prevent such practices, stating, “To achieve true success, one must confront idols and their worshippers. That alone makes you a soldier of God.”
