Yoruba culture, traditions must be free of violence, says Oluwo

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called for the modification of Yoruba cultural practices, particularly those associated with violence, as part of efforts to make the people’s cultural heritage more peaceful.

The monarch, who made the call at this year’s Odun Olodumare Festival held at his palace in Iwo, Osun State, where he also celebrated his 11th anniversary on the throne, said he accepted Yoruba cultures and traditions but insisted that practices that promote violence must be addressed.

“I accept all Yoruba cultures and traditions, but those that need modifications, particularly traditions that promote violence, must be addressed. It is not that I totally reject them, but I understand that change takes time,” he said.

Oba Akanbi recalled that before he ascended the throne, the appearance of masquerades often forced residents to close their shops due to incidents of rape, killings and attacks with cutlasses associated with such occasions.

He, however, said such incidents had reduced during his 11 years on the throne because of his consistent campaign against violence, adding that the Egungun festival held in Iwo earlier this year was peaceful.

“Any form of violence in our culture, tradition or religion is intolerable. I will not tolerate it,” he said.

On the Olodumare Festival, Oba Akanbi described the annual celebration as a festival dedicated to the Most High God, whom he identified as Olodumare, saying he considered it a divine calling to promote the glory of God.

Meanwhile, the monarch announced a N5 million empowerment programme for 100 people, with each beneficiary expected to receive N50,000. He added that beneficiaries would be selected randomly from different groups, including members of the royal institution, princes, chiefs, the Muslim community, traditional initiates and ordinary residents of Iwo.