The Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has cautioned Oyo traditional chiefs, particularly members of the Oyomesi, against opposing the reign of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, urging them to cooperate and respect the authority of the newly installed monarch.
Oba Akanbi issued the warning on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Alaafin to his palace in Iwo, accompanied by several district heads and chiefs from Oyo State.
The Oluwo stated that any attempt to sabotage the Alaafin’s reign would bring misfortune to the conspirators.
“Alaafin has emerged in Oyo, and he must be accepted by all,” he said. “Anyone plotting against Oba Abimbola Owoade should begin to watch their wealth, health, and life, because they will begin to deteriorate. I speak from experience; it has happened in Iwo before.”
He added, “Any member of the Oyomesi who refuses to support the king will perish, no matter how influential they are. Your Majesty, you have the authority to remove such individuals. Give them a one-week ultimatum. If they’re not satisfied, let them go to court—do you know how long the court will take? I’ve been on the throne for ten years, and a case against me is still pending.”
Oba Akanbi also condemned the use of media by some monarchs to malign their peers, urging an end to such practices.
“Kings must support each other; any king sponsoring media attacks against fellow monarchs must desist immediately.”
In response, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, expressed gratitude to Oluwo for his unwavering support and pledged to strengthen the historic bond between the thrones of Oyo and Iwo.
He also called for unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, emphasising that collective effort is essential for the development of Yorubaland.
“We need each other to move Yoruba land forward,” the Alaafin said.