A fresh wave of royal controversy has erupted in Osun State as the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, of plotting his removal from the throne.
In a video from a recent Ramadan lecture in Iwo, which his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, confirmed as authentic, Oluwo alleged that the Ooni had been working behind the scenes to orchestrate his downfall, despite his crucial role in ensuring Ogunwusi’s emergence as the Ooni in 2015.
“I Helped Him Become Ooni, Yet He Wants Me Out” – Oluwo
Recounting his version of events, Oba Akanbi claimed that he was instrumental in clearing the path for Oba Ogunwusi’s ascension, especially by resolving a court case that could have stalled his appointment.
“In 2015, I got a call from Akin Daodu, a close ally of Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi at the time. He told me the prince needed my help regarding his aspiration to the Ooni’s throne,” Oluwo said.
He explained that he was initially closer to Ogunwusi’s elder brother, Tunji Ogunwusi, whom he would have supported, but the latter had underestimated him. However, after speaking with Prince Adeyeye, he realized that the major hurdle standing in his way was a court case filed by some aggrieved parties.
“I asked him if that was all, and he said yes. So, in his presence, I called the person handling the case and settled it. By Friday, the case was decided in his favor, and by Saturday, he was crowned the Ooni. This was before my own enthronement. I was not selfish; I secured his own before mine. And a few months later, God used the same connection for me to become the Oluwo of Iwo,” he narrated.
Allegations of Betrayal and Power Play
However, Oluwo expressed disappointment, saying that rather than showing gratitude, the Ooni had allegedly been working against him.
“To my surprise, the same Ooni I helped ascend the throne has been planning evil against me. He masterminded my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas. He is using some kings in Iwoland to destabilize my territory,” he alleged.
The Iwo monarch further accused Oba Ogunwusi of confronting him in the presence of the governor last month, claiming he was discouraging idol worship.
“He was also part of those who used my former wife against me. He wants me removed by all means. But let me make it clear—such a plan will never work. No one can dethrone me, no one can bring me down, and no one can kill me, except if I did not help him become the Ooni,” he declared.
Ooni’s Palace Dismisses Claims
Reacting to the allegations, the Ooni’s palace dismissed Oluwo’s remarks as baseless and undeserving of a response.
“This is not the first time Baba Oluwo will make comments like this. We never reacted before, and we won’t react now,” said Chief Moses Olafare, the Director of Media at the Ooni’s palace.
According to Olafare, the Ooni is focused on developmental projects and has no time for distractions.
“That is what Baba Oluwo is busy with, but Ooni is occupied with more important matters. We don’t have time for this,” he added.
Otunba Olafare, further charged members of the public to disregard the allegations.
He said, “Oba Adeyeye has been ordained as a king from heaven, regardless of who does what. He is a king with God on his side.
“When Oluwo wanted to be the king, Ooni supported him with cash and other logistics that we can’t even mention here.
“At the last Council of Oba meeting, Ooni only jokingly told Oluwo that he should not condemn any monarch for worshipping deities but should allow anyone to practice anything that they feel is good for them.”
