Traditional rulers under the umbrella of Origbo Meje Obas in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, to either withdraw or prove allegations he made against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The monarchs, during a press briefing on Thursday, accused the Oluwo of repeatedly ridiculing the revered stool of the Ooni. Speaking on their behalf, the Salu of Edun Abon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, who is the acting vice chairman of the Ife North Traditional Council, described the Oluwo’s claims as defamatory and unacceptable.
Oba Akanbi had recently alleged that the Ooni conspired with his ex-wife to poison him — a statement the monarchs said was damaging and criminal in nature.
Adesoji, flanked by the Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Meshach Oyediran, and the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, recalled previous controversies involving the Oluwo. He cited the 2019 incident where Oba Akanbi was suspended from the State Council of Obas after allegedly assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a dispute.
“There is no disputing the supremacy of the Ooni of Ife as head of all Obas in Yorubaland,” Adesoji said. “The Oluwo’s constant outbursts and changing of titles only bring ridicule to the institution of traditional rulership.”
The monarchs warned that if Oba Akanbi fails to either petition the Inspector General of Police or initiate legal proceedings against the Ooni within the 21-day window, they will proceed to court against him.
“He who alleges must prove,” Adesoji stressed. “If the Oluwo cannot substantiate his claims, we will have no choice but to take legal action at the expiration of this ultimatum.”
Despite the growing backlash, Oba Akanbi has insisted in a recent social media post that his feud with the Ooni will continue.
