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Tag: Oluwo of Iwo

  • God will punish you – Oluwo of Iwo reacts to Igbo smoking rumour

    God will punish you – Oluwo of Iwo reacts to Igbo smoking rumour

    Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo has rained curses on those alleging that he smokes marijuana.

    The monarch in a viral video that surfaced on social media described the claim as false and raining heavy curses on those behind the allegations.

    “They are lying against me. They are unfortunate people. Unless I am smoking marijuana, if I’m a smoker, God should remove me from this throne. You who are accusing me of being a smoker, God will punish you,” he said.

    The denial comes a few days after the Court of Appeal upheld his enthronement as the paramount ruler of Iwoland.

  • ‘Kings should not be butchered after death’ – Oluwo on Awujale’s burial rites

    ‘Kings should not be butchered after death’ – Oluwo on Awujale’s burial rites

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has reacted to the burial rites of late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, saying that he was not subjected to mutilation or cannibalisation “as done by butchers.”

    Oluwo expressed satisfaction as Oba Adetona was buried according to Islamic rites on Monday, after his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 years.

    Soldiers, during the burial, prevented traditionalists from hijacking his burial, as Governor Dapo Abiodun said the traditional ruler had indicated he should be buried according to Islamic rites.

    In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo said the courage demonstrated by the Awujale, his family, and Governor Abiodun was a victory for the Yoruba race.

    “The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Attorney General of the state, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), is commendable and a foundation blessing to restore the glory of Yoruba stools and its occupants. The Governor is true blue blood.

    “Any town willing that his king be butchered after death should appoint an herbalist, Osugbo and Ogboni as their king,” Oba Akanbi said.

    He noted that the late Adetona had set a path of honour for deceased Yoruba monarchs.

    The monarch said, “The sanctity of Yoruba traditional institution has been protected by the process adopted in burying the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

    “Kings are servants to their subjects. They are honourable men who have sacrificed themselves in the interest of their people.

    “Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, and not butchered like an animal after death.‎

    “The noble order of burial rites for Awujale is a win for the Yoruba race, particularly myself. It’s a freedom of Yoruba traditional rulers from physical and spiritual oppression after their death.”

    Oba Akanbi added, “The burial process to be adopted in burying Yoruba traditional rulers should be on the recommendation of the king before his passage or his family after his death.

    “The seizure of the king’s corpse from his family by any secret group should be optional, depending on the wishes of his family.”

    He promised to continue to campaign against any form of idol worship and traditional cultism in his domain.

    “In Iwo, I have freed the Oluwo stool from the bondage since my ascension 10 years ago.

    “The Osugbos and the Ogbonis have no relation with the Yoruba monarchy. Every attempt to enslave the stool will be eternally restricted by my stool.

    “Iwo throne can never be subjected to the command of any secret society. I have freed my town. Even after my death, I trust Iwo people, they will never condone absurdity.”

  • Oluwo of Iwo warned against denigrating traditional religion, Yoruba tradition

    Oluwo of Iwo warned against denigrating traditional religion, Yoruba tradition

    Traditional religion operating  under the auspices of International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), have sent strong warnings to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi, to desist from denigrating traditional religion and Yoruba tradition and culture.

    It also called on the Osun State government, elders and socio-cultural organizations in Yoruba land to also call the monarch to order.

    Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, the ICIR President, made these declarations during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the organisation on Saturday.

    According to Fayemi, the monarch’s utterances were causing religious discord and embarrassment for other traditional leaders.

    Continuing, he  used the opportunity to call for calm in the recent crisis that started in Iseyin between the Muslim and Christian community.

    “We implore the people who are fanning the ember of religious discord in our land to desist. We advise the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi to refrain from using unprintable statements against the Yoruba tradition, culture and religion.

    “We also call on the government, especially the government of Osun State, Yoruba socio-cultural organizations and Yoruba elders to call Oba Abdulrashed to order before his utterances cause problems.

    “For the sake of peace, we implore practitioners of all religions and traditions to live in harmony and focus on what unites us rather than what separates us.

     

  • Lagos monarch ‘attacked’ over recent photo in Mecca

    Lagos monarch ‘attacked’ over recent photo in Mecca

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has come under fire for opening his head while seeking the face of God during his stay in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    This comes after the traditional ruler who is currently praying for peace of mind, long life, and mercy for himself shared  a video posted on social media, where his head was uncovered, attracting mixed reactions, because it is customary for a Yoruba king to always cover his head, especially when in public.

    See photos below and reactions.

    Reacting, one of his followers, fabricsbyarinola wrote, “I thought (a) king must not open their head in public?”

    Another follower, Acube321 wrote, “Kabiesi oooo, sir you are not supposed to open your head. You can’t be the custodian of Yoruba culture and still worship in the Arab way. This is intriguing. You are demeaning our culture, sir. This is too bad sir.”

    Meanwhile, some others saw nothing wrong with the Iwo king’s action. Nadee_a_kitchen_treat wrote, “See my hometown king. Everybody is equal in the presence of Almighty Allah. Islam is beautiful. May Almighty Allah accept your worship.”

    Fasasiwakeel also wrote, “I am moved emotionally by the way he was praising the King of Kings. May the Almighty Allah answer your prayers.”

  • Attack on Nigerian troops, an attack on Nigeria itself – Oluwo

    Attack on Nigerian troops, an attack on Nigeria itself – Oluwo

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the killings of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army in Okuama community of Delta State as an attack on Nigeria itself.

    The monarch made this known in a statement by his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem on Tuesday in Osogbo.

    Oluwo noted that a swift intervention by the community rulers and leaders could have prevented the national disaster.

    “An attack on the Nigerian troops is an attack on Nigeria itself. A security sacrilege, aberration and abomination have been committed by the people of the Okuoma community. The murdered soldiers are servants on peace missions to quench warring towns.

    “While commiserating with the immediate family of the victims and the Nigerian Army, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to unravel the identity of the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.

    “The community rulers, mostly the monarchs, should be alert to their responsibilities. Such heinous crimes can never happen under watch. The local government chairmen, who are the official security officers, should also brace up. If you can’t control your people at such a fragile moment, it tells a lot about your leadership credits.

    “The occurrence is not an external representation of our military. It’s not an indication of calm security. The government must ensure the perpetrators are duly punished to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

    Recall that the battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers who were on a peace mission were killed in the community.

  • Leave the street and go home – Oluwo to Mohbad fans

    Leave the street and go home – Oluwo to Mohbad fans

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has urged the fans of late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka Mohbad to shun any form of protest and return home.

    Oluwo described Mohbad’s death as a colossal loss to Yorubaland, Nigeria and the world at large.

    The monarch also called on the government to investigate circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.

    In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi also appealed to youths who are protesting over the development to be civil in their conduct.

    He said, “I commiserate with his immediate family and the entertainment industry and also call on the ardent lovers of Mohbad to leave the street and go home. The protest may be hijacked by hoodlums if not properly managed.

    “Stakeholders are already working to ensure justice for Mohbad. The youth should cooperate with the government by conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

    “Once again, may the soul of the departed Mohbad rest in peace.”

  • You have desecrated our traditional stools, Oluwo of Iwo blasts Obasanjo

    You have desecrated our traditional stools, Oluwo of Iwo blasts Obasanjo

    …you can’t try this with emirs

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Saturday, blasted ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for ordering traditional rulers in Oyo State to stand and greet Governor Seyi Makinde, at a project inauguration in Iseyin, Oyo State, was tantamount to desecration of Yoruba traditional stools.

    TheNewsGuru.com, recalls in a short video of Obasanjo, who spoke in Yoruba language, had surfaced on the Internet, expressing displeasure to the monarchs for not rising to greet Makinde, describing the action of royal fathers as disrespectful to the office of the governor.

    Reacting, Oba Akanbi, in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibrahim, condemned the former president’s action and demanded a letter of apology.

    Insisting that Yoruba monarchs could not be treated as uniform men who would be ordered around, the Oluwo blamed the royal fathers who responded to Obasanjo’s order.

    The statement partly read, “I trust myself and my stool. In death, there are certain things my soul will not take let alone when alive, active, and kicking. I only blame the monarchs who stood in obeisance to such an ignoble and desecration of traditional institutions from the old man. Respect should be earned not demanded.

    Traditional rulers respect their subjects too. There is a way respect is accorded to people of old age and position by monarchs. Kingship is an institution of God. As such, relating with kings requires a high sense of modesty, courtesy, and respect.

    The display by the former president of Nigeria, General Obasanjo was an affront, an intentional desecration and sacrilege against revered stools of Yorubaland. An injury to one is an injury to all. Yoruba traditional rulers are not uniform men anyone can command at will. I don’t blame him, those royal fathers who stood up to obey such an embarrassing direction are to be blamed. “The show by the former general is condemnable. Yoruba traditional institutions demand an apology for the open desecration to molest and bring down the institution. He needs to prove himself as a core Yoruba man with an apology letter. Kings are not toddlers. We are fathers. He will never dare that against the Northern Emirs.”

  • How Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Akanbi and Kano wife welcomed first child

    How Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Akanbi and Kano wife welcomed first child

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and his wife, Olori Firdaus, are experiencing immense happiness as they celebrate the birth of their first child.

    The press secretary to the monarch, Alli Ibrahim, released a statement on Wednesday evening of March 15, 2023, to inform the public about the new addition to their family.

    The baby’s arrival comes exactly a year after the Osun traditional ruler tied the knot with Firdausi, who is from Kano state.

    “Oluwo expressed appreciation to Olodumare (God) for blessing my home with the handsome, promising child,” the statement read.

    Adding: “Carrying a baby for months is tasking. I congratulate my queen on the arrival of a new child. She deserves accolades. I have strong trust in whatever comes out of her womb. The child shall be greater and be prosperous than me. Once again, congratulations to my beautiful, elegant, respectful and loving queen Firdaus.”

    How Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Akanbi and Kano wife welcomed first child

    In a post via Instagram, Oluwo of Iwo celebrated the birth of his child with his 155K followers while expressing gratitude.

    “Olodumare Oseun o !! I thank God Almighty for a blessed beautiful Child through my beautiful Queen…. hip hip hip hurray ?? I’m blessed,” he wrote.

    It would be recalled that the monarch’s last marriage to a Jamaican, Chanel Chin, which produced a son, crashed in December 2019. Chanel called out the monarch for allegedly being an abuser around when he took in Olori Firdaus.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that their wedding ceremony was held at the residence of the Madakin Kano, Yola Quarters on March 20, 2022.

    Firdaus is the daughter of Abdullahi Sarki Sani Yola, the late Madakin Kano, and the granddaughter of the late Emir Ado Bayero.

  • Oluwo of Iwo advises King Charles III on how to rule

    Oluwo of Iwo advises King Charles III on how to rule

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has advised the new monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III to adopt policies that will sustain and promote the monarchical system in his reign.

    Recall that King Charles III acceded to the throne on Thursday, September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has advised the new monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III to adopt policies that will sustain and promote the monarchical system in his reign.

    Recall that King Charles III acceded to the throne on Thursday, September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

    In a congratulatory statement made available by Alli Ibraheem, his Chief Press Secretary, Oba Akanbi added that such would strengthen and brighten the hope of not only the parliament but also the subjects in the institution.

    The statement noted that, “having the trust of the parliament and that of the people is sacrosanct. It will not only strengthen the monarchy System, but will also endear people to the revered institution. To enjoy this trust, I enjoin King Charles to improve the tempo of humanity service and cut costs. Cutting the cost of maintenance is in respect of the global economic challenges.

    “The Monarchy in modern times should be seen alleviating sufferings of subjects and not about amassing wealth. The happiness of the people and their welfare is the wealth of a king! Times are changing and conservative Monarchy should move with time as conservative progressive. Sustainability of Monarchy in the 21st century is on the test all around the world and the Monarchical institution needs to be preserved because without Monarchy, there is no tradition and culture!

    “How do we sustain this priceless Monarchy institution for thousands of years and for the future? We have to protect this institution at all costs.

    “Once again, I congratulate him on his ascension to the throne. His reign shall be filled with more achievements to the glory of the institution.”

  • Oluwo of Iwo makes U-turn, declares support for Adeleke

    Oluwo of Iwo makes U-turn, declares support for Adeleke

    The  Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale, has made a U-turn from supporting the incumbent governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, who lost his re-election bid on Saturday, July 16 governorship poll in the state.

    The Iwo Oba has also appealed to the people of Osun state to co-operate with the governor-elect.

    Oluwo’s message to Adeleke came at a time Gov Oyetola was still contemplating going to the tribunal to challenge the outcome of the election that returned Adeleke as the winner.

    Recall that the monarch had before the election promised to deliver 90,000 votes to the incumbent governor

    “I am confident of delivering 90,000 votes for Governor Oyetola.” He said

    But, the outcome of the election was far below Oba’s expectations as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) lost to the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a statement signed and released by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem on Friday via the Oba’s social media handles, Oluwo commended Adeleke for his “tenacity, courage, and commitment” to his goal, praying for divine wisdom and understanding to effectively manage the state.

    He called for collaborative efforts with technocrats and appealed to the people of Osun state to cooperate with the governor-elect so that Osun would continue to be great in the face of global economic hardship.

    The statement reads in part: “I congratulate the Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke on his victory at the keenly contested poll. He has demonstrated an act of uncommon courage, and tenacity to have survived many hurdles. His life is a lesson for many aspiring youths. There is always a reward for hard work”

    “I look forward to having an Iwo man as the Osun State Governor if God permits! I pray for divine wisdom, courage, and understanding for Senator Ademola Adeleke to effectively manage Osun State affairs,” the statement read.