The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, recently shared a story about being chased out of the palace of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi. In a trending TikTok video, the Ooni expressed his discomfort about visiting the Oluwo again, reflecting on how he was treated during a past visit.
“When I visited Oluwo, he chased me out like a child,” the Ooni said, noting that since then, he had kept his distance from the Oluwo. While acknowledging the urging of others for him to visit the Oluwo again, the Ooni humorously questioned what would happen if he were treated poorly once more. He emphasized the need to manage the situation as an elder figure, despite his youth, and extended a respectful greeting to the Oluwo.
Although Oba Ogunwusi did not explicitly discuss any ongoing conflict, it is widely believed that their differences stem from the Oluwo’s disdain for traditional religious practices, which he associates with idol worship. The Oluwo has made it clear that he opposes traditional rituals and festivals such as Ogun and Egungun, which are commonly celebrated by other Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni.
Oba Akanbi has repeatedly urged the people of Iwo to avoid traditional practices and focus on their faith in God. He has claimed that his role as a monarch is to lead by promoting monotheism, saying, “I don’t support idol worship… Anyone performing sacrifices here must take them home.” In contrast, Oba Ogunwusi has maintained ties to traditionalists and participates in festivals.
In a separate statement, the Oluwo explained that Iwo was historically ruled by traditional monarchs but shifted towards Islam with Oba Memudu Ayinla Lamuye’s reign in the 1800s. He emphasized that Islam became central to Iwo’s culture, leading to the establishment of mosques across the town.
This rivalry is not new. Back in 2018, the Oluwo accused Ooni Ogunwusi of having his bodyguard push him aside during a meeting of traditional rulers in Port Harcourt. According to the Oluwo, this incident occurred during a public event at the Hotel Presidential in Rivers State. The Ooni, however, denied the allegation, asserting that there was no altercation at the event.
While both monarchs hold significant positions in Osun State, their differing views on tradition and religion continue to shape their relationship. Despite past disagreements, the Ooni’s recent comments reflect a measured approach, recognizing the Oluwo’s unique stance while maintaining his role as a traditional leader.
