Traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State have issued a 21 day ultimatum to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, to substantiate his claims that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conspired with his ex wife to poison him.
The Origbo Meje Obas demanded that Oba Akanbi write to the Inspector General of Police or sue the Ooni to prove his allegations within the specified timeframe.
The monarchs described the allegations as defamatory, criminal, and unbecoming of a traditional ruler. “He who alleges must prove,” said Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo, the Salu of Edun Abon. The Origbo Meje Obas warned that failure to comply would result in legal action against the Oluwo.
Oba Akanbi had made the allegations in a viral video, claiming the Ooni set him up with a woman who attempted to poison him multiple times. He alleged that after he discovered the plot and sent the woman and her child away, the Ooni provided shelter for them. “She poisoned me twice, they set up an assassination attempt, and other things for me to die, but they failed,” Oba Akanbi said.
The Origbo Meje Obas reaffirmed their loyalty to the Ooni of Ife, emphasizing the supremacy of the Oduduwa stool. They recalled past incidents involving Oba Akanbi, including his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas for allegedly assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting.
The monarchs emphasized that the Oluwo’s actions were an attempt to ridicule the traditional institution for personal attention. “His actions are bringing disrepute and ridicule to the thrones of all Obas in Yorubaland,” Oba Adesoji said. The Origbo Meje Obas include the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi, the Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Meshach Oyediran, and the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede.
The ultimatum expires in 21 days, after which the Origbo Meje Obas will take legal action against the Oluwo if he fails to comply. The development has sparked a fresh crisis in the Osun State traditional council.
