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Ooni of Ife Claims He Was Asked to Leave Oluwo’s Palace

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 21st, 2024.

Ooni of Ife Claims He Was Asked to Leave Oluwo’s Palace

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, recently shared that he was expelled during a visit to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi. This revelation came in a video that gained traction on TikTok over the weekend.

In the video, the Ooni remarked, “When I went to see Oluwo, he chased me out like a child. Since then, I’ve kept my distance. Now that you are suggesting I visit him again, what if he treats me the same way?”

Despite the tension, the Ooni expressed respect for the Oluwo, stating, “I have to manage his behavior as an elder, even though I’m younger in age.”

Although Ogunwusi did not delve into any specific disputes between the two monarchs, sources indicate that Oluwo has been critical of the Ooni’s connections with traditionalists, whom he refers to as “idol worshippers.”

In another video, Oluwo, also known as Telu 1, urged the people of Iwo to reject traditional practices, warning that anyone participating should confine such activities to their homes. He emphasized his role as a monarch dedicated solely to promoting God, distancing himself from idol worship and declaring, “I do not partake in Ogun or idol festivals. I have celebrated the Egungun festival in the past but will not do so again unless it’s redefined away from idol worship.”

Oluwo further stated that sacrifices are not permitted in Iwo, asserting, “Anyone who attempts that will face consequences. We have implemented measures to prevent such practices in our community.”

On his Facebook page, Oluwo elaborated on the historical significance of Islam in Iwo, noting that the region transitioned from traditional monarchs to Islamic leadership, starting with Oba Ibirinade Abioye Adekanbi in the 1600s. He pointed out that the first mosque in Southwestern Nigeria was established during this time and described the transformation of Iwo into a predominantly Muslim community.

The ongoing dynamic between the two monarchs is not new; in 2018, Oluwo accused Ogunwusi of instructing his bodyguard to push him aside during a gathering of traditional rulers in Port Harcourt. According to Oluwo, this incident occurred just before the Ooni was called to the stage.

Ogunwusi denied these claims, with a statement from his palace’s public affairs director asserting that no confrontation occurred during the event.