Palace visit dispute: Ooni misleading public, says Grand Mufti

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The ongoing feud between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has escalated following the release of a controversial video. The video allegedly shows the Ooni accusing the Oluwo of shunning him during a palace visit.

However, sources close to the Oluwo’s palace have refuted these claims, stating that the Ooni has never visited the Oluwo in his palace.

In a statement made available to WESTERN POST on Monday, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Daood Imran Molasan, dismissed the video and the Ooni’s allegations, asserting that there is no record of the Ooni visiting the Oluwo’s palace. Molasan clarified that the video in question was recorded several years ago at an event in Ileogbo and described the reports circulating in some newspapers as misleading.

“Either the newspapers or Baba Ooni are misleading the public,” Sheikh Molasan stated, urging the public to disregard the video.

The cleric attributed the animosity between the two traditional rulers to their differing religious beliefs. According to Molasan, the Oluwo is a staunch promoter of monotheism, while the Ooni supports traditional deity worship. This religious divide, he claimed, has fueled the tension between the two monarchs.

“The reason for the animosity is known. Oluwo and Ooni are parallel lines. One worships only God, while the other promotes deity worship. Baba Oluwo has been an unrepentant promoter of monotheism, while Baba Ooni stands firmly with deity worship,” he said.

Sheikh Molasan further emphasized the role of Islam in Yorubaland, noting that Muslims form the majority in the region. He stated, “We are not ready to submit ourselves to the authority of any deity worshipper. Deity worship is not our cultural and traditional identity. Oluwo is hated because of what he represents—his commitment to the worship of one God.”

He concluded by saying, “It’s either they remain apart or they both submit their crowns only to Olodumare. Oluwo has no issue with any Oba. Only God is king. Kingship is an institution of Olodumare, and Yorubas call Him King. They hate Oluwo because he submits to Olodumare. The true identity of the Yoruba is Olodumare, not idols.”