OLUWO OF IWO ACCUSES OONI OF IFE OF BETRAYAL
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has alleged that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has been working against him despite his significant role in helping the Ooni ascend the throne in 2015.
Speaking at a Ramadan lecture in Iwo, as confirmed by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, the Oluwo recounted how he intervened in a legal case that could have obstructed Oba Ogunwusi’s kingship. He expressed disappointment that the Ooni has since turned against him, allegedly facilitating his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas and working to destabilize his rule.
Revealing details of his involvement in the Ooni’s ascension, Oba Akanbi stated:
“In 2015, I received a call from Akin Daodu, a close ally of then-Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi. He said the prince needed my help regarding his ambition to become the Ooni of Ife. Although I was closer to his brother, Tunji Ogunwusi, I decided to assist him. Almost all stakeholders, including Governor Aregbesola, had agreed on his appointment, but there was a court case standing in his way. I assured him that if the lawsuit was his only concern, he was already a king.”
The Oluwo claimed that he personally made a phone call that influenced the resolution of the case, clearing the path for Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi to be crowned as the Ooni of Ife the very next day—months before he himself became the Oluwo of Iwo.
Despite his alleged support, Oba Akanbi accused the Ooni of working to undermine his authority, stating:
“To my surprise, the same person I helped ascend the throne has been plotting against me. He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas and is using some kings in Iwoland to destabilize my reign. He even confronted me in the presence of the governor last month, accusing me of discouraging idol worship. He was also part of those who used my former wife against me.”
The Oluwo further alleged that the Ooni has been seeking his removal as Oluwo, a move he insists will never happen.
“No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me. No one can bring me down—unless I never helped him become the Ooni.”
In response, the Ooni of Ife’s media team dismissed Oluwo’s claims, refusing to engage in what they described as attention-seeking antics.
Chief Moses Olafare, the Ooni’s Director of Media, stated:
“This is not the first time Baba Oluwo will make such comments, and we have never responded. We won’t start now. The Ooni is busy with developmental projects and has no time for distractions. Whatever Baba Oluwo wants to say, let him say it. We are not interested.”
