The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has asserted that he played a key role in the emergence of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi as the Ooni of Ife in 2015.
The Monarch claimed that Ooni’s elder brother, Tunji Ogunwusi, was initially a strong contender for the throne but was overlooked.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, on Friday, Oluwo recounted his past relationship with the Ogunwusi family, noting that he was closer to Tunji Ogunwusi during their time in Ibadan.
He alleged that Tunji dismissed his attempts to offer guidance in the selection process, believing his influence to be insignificant at the time.
Oluwo further accused Ooni of Ife of attempting to undermine his authority and remove him as the Oluwo of Iwo.
The Monarch claimed that Ooni orchestrated his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas and used certain local rulers in Iwoland to destabilize his leadership.
“Despite his efforts, he will not succeed. No one can remove me as Oluwo, no one can kill me, and no one can bring me down,” Oluwo declared.
He also alleged that Ooni opposed his stance against deity worship and was involved in personal attacks against him, including using his former wife against him.
In response, the Director of Media for the Ooni of Ife, Otunba Moses Olafare, dismissed Oluwo’s claims, insisting that Ooni was divinely chosen and did not require anyone’s influence to ascend the throne.
“Oba Adeyeye has been ordained as a king from heaven, regardless of who does what. He is a king with God on his side. When Oluwo sought to become king, Ooni supported him financially and otherwise,” Olafare stated.
He further clarified that Ooni did not attack Oluwo at the last Council of Obas meeting but merely advised him to respect all traditional practices and allow people to follow their beliefs without condemnation.
