A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the Yoruba traditional institution as Osun monarchs have issued a stern 21-day ultimatum to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, following his sensational allegation that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, conspired to assassinate him. The development has sent shockwaves across Yorubaland, raising concerns about unity, respect, and the credibility of traditional leadership in the region.
The ultimatum was issued by a coalition of traditional rulers from Ife North Local Government Area, popularly known as the Origbo Meje Obas, during a press briefing in Osun State. Speaking on behalf of the group, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, the Salu of Edunabon, who also serves as acting vice-chairman of the Ife North Traditional Council, described the Oluwo’s claims as defamatory, unfounded, and highly disrespectful to the revered throne of Oduduwa, which the Ooni of Ife represents. According to him, the monarchs resolved that Oba Akanbi must either provide verifiable evidence to substantiate his allegation or publicly retract it.
The monarchs further demanded that the Oluwo take immediate steps to formalize his accusations through the appropriate legal channels. They urged him to either petition the Inspector General of Police with credible evidence backing his claim or sue the Ooni in a competent court of law for alleged involvement in a conspiracy. Failure to do so within the stipulated 21 days, they warned, would leave them with no choice but to take legal action against him. The monarchs stressed that such a grave allegation, if left unchecked, could destroy the dignity of the Yoruba traditional hierarchy and create unnecessary divisions.
The storm began when a video surfaced online in which the Oluwo accused the Ooni of Ife of colluding with his estranged wife to poison him. The video, which quickly went viral, drew sharp criticism from across social media platforms and traditional institutions. Many Nigerians expressed disbelief, while others called on the Oluwo to produce evidence to support his explosive claims. The allegation, coming from a sitting monarch against another, was widely regarded as unprecedented and damaging to the collective image of Yoruba traditional leadership.
This is not the first time Oba Akanbi has found himself in the eye of a storm. Known for his flamboyant and outspoken style, the Oluwo has previously courted controversy in different ways, including his suspension from meetings of the Osun State Council of Obas following an alleged physical altercation with another monarch during a peace meeting. Critics argue that his frequent clashes and unconventional conduct have undermined the dignity traditionally associated with the throne of Iwo. Supporters, however, often defend him as a bold, reformist monarch unafraid to challenge longstanding conventions.
The Ooni of Ife, on the other hand, has maintained a more measured public image. As custodian of the Ife throne, widely regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilization, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi carries a symbolic weight that extends beyond Osun State and even Nigeria. The accusation leveled against him, therefore, is not merely personal but strikes at the heart of Yoruba cultural identity. While the Ooni himself has yet to make an elaborate public statement on the matter, the coalition of monarchs has made it clear that silence cannot be mistaken for guilt, insisting instead that the burden of proof lies squarely on the shoulders of the accuser.
Observers note that the case has broader implications for Yoruba traditional institutions. At a time when the role of monarchs is increasingly debated in the modern democratic context, public spats of this magnitude risk eroding the moral authority and respect historically enjoyed by traditional rulers. If the matter ends up in court, it could set a landmark precedent for how defamation, slander, and unfounded allegations are handled when they involve traditional leaders.
Beyond the legal dimension, there are also social and political stakes. Traditional rulers in Nigeria wield significant influence in local governance, cultural affairs, and political mobilization. A rift between two prominent monarchs such as the Oluwo and the Ooni could polarize communities, weaken collective bargaining power, and create opportunities for political actors to exploit divisions for personal gain. Analysts warn that if this crisis is not carefully managed, it could inflame tensions within Yorubaland and damage the prestige of one of Africa’s most respected cultural institutions.
The public reaction to the development has been intense. Social media users, commentators, and cultural enthusiasts have been divided between those who demand accountability from the Oluwo and those who believe the matter should be settled behind closed doors in order to protect the image of Yoruba tradition. Hashtags related to the feud have trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with many calling on the Osun State government and even the national traditional council to intervene.
With the countdown on the 21-day ultimatum already underway, the spotlight is firmly on the Oluwo of Iwo. Will he back his claim with hard evidence that can withstand legal scrutiny, or will he retract his statement in a bid to preserve his throne and avoid further escalation? Either way, the coming weeks promise to shape the narrative around not just his personal reign but also the broader credibility of Yoruba traditional leadership in the 21st century.
What remains clear is that this confrontation has evolved beyond personal rivalry. It has become a test of accountability, a challenge to tradition, and a lesson on how age-old institutions adapt—or fail to adapt—to the demands of modern society where public opinion, media virality, and legal recourse cannot be ignored. For now, the Yoruba people and indeed all Nigerians wait to see whether reconciliation, retraction, or courtroom drama will define the next chapter of this unfolding saga.
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