Ife-North Monarchs Issue 21-Day Ultimatum to Oluwo of Iwo Over Assassination Allegations

Traditional rulers in Ife-North Local Government Area of Osun State have given the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, a 21-day ultimatum to provide evidence backing his claims that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is plotting to assassinate him.

Oluwo, in a viral social media video, alleged that the Ooni used his former wife, Queen Chanel, in an attempt to eliminate him. He further declared that his dispute with the revered monarch “would not end.”

Reacting to the allegation, monarchs under the umbrella of Origbo Meje Obas condemned Oluwo’s remarks, describing them as reckless, disrespectful and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

Speaking on behalf of the group at his Edunabon palace on Thursday, the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde, accused the Oluwo of persistent misconduct, misrepresentation and gross disregard for the sacred throne of Oduduwa.

The monarchs stressed that Oluwo’s frequent outbursts were designed to undermine and ridicule the institution of traditional leadership in Yorubaland. They reaffirmed the supremacy of the Ooni of Ife as the undisputed head of all Yoruba monarchs.

“There is no disputing the supremacy of the throne of the Ooni of Ife as the Head of all Obas in Yorubaland. Records exist in the archives to verify Oluwo’s repeated verbal attacks. It is disturbing that he constantly changes his self-styled titles—from Emir of Iwo to Alaafin of Iwo—in pursuit of undue media attention. Such actions only bring ridicule and disrepute to Yoruba traditional institutions” Oba Kehinde stated.

The monarchs warned that failure by the Oluwo to substantiate his allegations within the 21-day ultimatum would leave them with no option but to initiate legal proceedings against him.