Iwo princes deny relocation of past monarchs’ remains

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The noble princes and Mogajis of Iwo in Osun State have dismissed the allegation that the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, relocated or tampered with the remains of past monarchs of the town.

Speaking after their monthly meeting at Oluwo Palace Square in Iwo, Prince Wasiu Hammed Modunle, Mogaji Modunle of Iwo, who spoke on behalf of the princes, described the allegation as baseless and a deliberate attempt to blackmail Oba Akanbi.

He stated that the individuals spreading the claim were not authorized to speak for the princes—the true blue blood of Iwo—and should be disregarded.

Modunle explained that when Oba Akanbi ascended the throne, he invited the princes to help identify the graves of past kings, most of which had been neglected and abandoned.

According to him, many of the graves were covered with broken mud houses and had become dumping grounds filled with fetish items. Rather than relocating any remains, the Oluwo undertook the renovation of the graveyards, tiling and fencing them to give them a dignified and respectable appearance.

They also noted that there were no identifiable traces of the graves behind the old palace when Oba Akanbi became king, and it was he who took steps to preserve and restore the sites with the knowledge of the royal family.

Modunle accused the individuals behind the allegation of being fronts for those who previously contested the Oluwo stool but lost.

The princes then challenged the accusers, particularly one Adedoja Sarafa Osunwo, to provide evidence to back their claims, giving him a 48-hour ultimatum to either provide evidence or face legal action.