The Oluwo of Iwoland, Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has come forward with shocking claims that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is working against him after he played a pivotal role in his ascension to the throne. Speaking in an emotional video, Oluwo described how God used him to facilitate Ooni Ogunwusi’s installation, only for the same person he helped to allegedly plot his downfall.
Oluwo, who made the revelation during an interview on Friday, shared details of his involvement in the selection process for the Ooni of Ife and expressed surprise at the hostility he has faced from Ogunwusi, despite his instrumental role in the latter’s rise to power.
Oluwo revealed that his connection with Ooni Ogunwusi dates back to their youth in Ibadan, where they were neighbours. While Oluwo was closer to Ogunwusi’s elder brother, Tunji, he noted that it was initially Tunji who he had planned to assist in becoming the Ooni, using the same link that eventually led to Ogunwusi’s enthronement.
However, things took an unexpected turn. According to Oluwo, when he was approached by Akin Daodu, a close ally of Ogunwusi, in 2015, he decided to shift his support to Ogunwusi instead. Akin had put the then Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi on the phone, asking for his help with his aspiration to become the Ooni.
Oluwo recalled the conversation: “I told Akin Daodu that I was not aware they had chosen an Ooni-designate. I acknowledged my connection with the family, having lived in the same neighborhood in Akobo, Ibadan, before moving away. I knew Prince Adeyeye, but I was closer to his older brother, Tunji.”
During their meeting in Ibadan, Ogunwusi assured Oluwo that almost all the stakeholders, including the Governor, were in support of his ambition to become the Ooni, except for some lingering court cases from disgruntled parties. Once Ogunwusi confirmed this, Oluwo said he took immediate action, instructing that the legal matters be resolved so that Ogunwusi could be officially crowned.
“In his presence, I called the person in charge and communicated my instructions,” Oluwo said. “The case was decided on Friday, and Adeyeye became Ooni on Saturday—before my own enthronement.”
Oluwo highlighted that he put Ogunwusi’s installation ahead of his own, explaining that he was not driven by selfish motives but a sense of duty and goodwill. He added that shortly after Ogunwusi’s installation, God used the same link to facilitate his own ascension as the Oluwo of Iwoland.
However, Oluwo expressed disbelief and hurt upon learning that the man he helped become Ooni of Ife was now allegedly plotting his downfall. According to him, Oba Ogunwusi had orchestrated his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas by targeting the AIG, who was a key witness to the events surrounding Ogunwusi’s enthronement.
Oluwo also accused Ogunwusi of using a few kings from Iwoland to destabilize his kingdom. He revealed that the Ooni had attacked him in the presence of the Governor, accusing him of discouraging deity worship and even involving his former wife in an attempt to undermine him. Despite these challenges, Oluwo was adamant that no one could remove him from his position as Oluwo.
“He wants me removed as Oluwo by all means,” he said. “But such a dream will never come to fruition. No one can remove me as Oluwo, no one can kill me, and no one can bring me down. As the saying goes, ‘Adabi ti ki baase emi ni Mo ran e lowo tofi di Ooni’ (the one I helped to become king will never succeed in bringing me down).”
Oluwo ended his statement with a warning to the Ooni, saying that he would ultimately be the one regretting his actions. He mentioned that those who had attempted to undermine him in the past had all failed and that the same fate awaited the Ooni.
Reacting to Oluwo’s claims, the Director of Media and Public Affairs for the House of Oodua, Moses Olafare, issued a statement defending the Ooni. Olafare clarified that God had ordained Oba Ogunwusi to be the Ooni and that as the father of all, the Ooni would never plot the downfall of anyone.
“The Ooni of Ife is a revered monarch and has the well-being of all his subjects at heart,” Olafare said. “It is not in the character of Oba Ogunwusi to wish harm on anyone, as he is a man of peace and goodwill. The Ooni will never engage in any action aimed at undermining anyone.”
The Ooni of Ife is regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba people. His position carries significant cultural, religious, and political weight, making the role a highly sought-after and respected one. The process leading to the selection of the Ooni is often marked by political and royal intricacies, with multiple contenders vying for the throne. The installation of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in 2015 was a significant event that garnered national attention, especially due to the involvement of various political and traditional figures.
Oluwo’s claims that he played a key role in Ogunwusi’s ascension to the throne shed light on the complex relationships that exist within the traditional leadership of the Yoruba kingdom. His allegations of betrayal by Ogunwusi and his subsequent challenges in Iwoland highlight the tensions that can arise among powerful individuals in the royal circles.
The feud between the two monarchs could have far-reaching consequences for the unity of the Yoruba people, as traditional rulers are often seen as important symbols of cultural identity and authority. As the matter continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the tensions and what impact this dispute will have on the broader Yoruba community.
