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By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
A coalition of traditional leaders from Ife-North Local Government Area in Osun State has issued a strict 21-day deadline to Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, demanding that he provide evidence to support his recent allegation that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is orchestrating a plot to assassinate him.
In a widely circulated social media video, the Oluwo accused the Ooni of enlisting his former wife, Queen Channel, to carry out the assassination attempt, intensifying the ongoing feud between the two monarchs.
However, the group of traditional rulers, known collectively as the “Origbo Meje Obas,” condemned the Oluwo’s conduct, labeling it as inappropriate and unbecoming of a king, particularly one of his stature.
Addressing the press at his palace in Edunabon, the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde, spoke on behalf of the monarchs, denouncing the Oluwo’s actions as disrespectful and insulting to the revered Oduduwa throne.
The monarchs emphasized that the Oluwo’s recent statements appear designed to undermine and mock the institution of traditional leadership across Yorubaland, a behavior they declared intolerable moving forward.
“The Ooni of Ife’s position as the paramount ruler over all Yoruba kings is indisputable. Historical records affirm this supremacy, making the Oluwo’s accusations all the more perplexing,” Oba Kehinde stated.
He further criticized the Oluwo for frequently altering his royal title-from Emir of Iwo to Alaafin of Iwo-every few months in what seems to be a bid for media attention, a practice that tarnishes the dignity of all Yoruba monarchs.
“We hereby demand that the Oluwo produce concrete proof of his claims within 21 days. Should he fail to do so, we will be compelled to pursue legal measures against him once this ultimatum expires,” Oba Kehinde warned.