Ibadan chiefs rebuke Oluwo over disrespect for Oloolu tradition
Traditional leaders in Ibadan have strongly condemned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, over what they described as “reckless and disrespectful” comments against the revered Oloolu masquerade.
In a viral video, the monarch had described the Oloolu tradition as “criminal” and “unconstitutional,” insisting that any masquerade instilling fear or restricting women should be sent to the forest.
Reacting, the President of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, issued a joint statement demanding a retraction and apology from Oluwo. They accused the monarch of meddling in traditions beyond his jurisdiction.
“If Oluwo does not understand or respect the customs that enthroned him, he should restrict his rascality to Iwo and Osun State,” the statement read, describing his remarks as “irresponsible and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.”
The leaders warned that further insults on Ibadan’s heritage would not be tolerated. “He grew up in Ibadan. We know his antecedents. If he persists, we may expose more about his past,” they added.
They called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to caution the monarch, accusing him of trying to sow discord in Yorubaland and tarnish Yoruba cultural heritage.
According to the group, Oluwo’s attacks on the Oloolu masquerade were not only an insult to the Olubadan and Ibadanland but also a provocation to peace across the region.
The leaders gave Oba Akanbi a few days to issue a formal apology, warning of consequences if he fails to comply. “We shall not fold our arms while Oluwo abuses our Oloolu,” they vowed.
