Oluwo Warns Oyo Chiefs: Embrace New Alaafin Or Face Consequences

IWO, OYO STATE – The Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Tuesday issued a stern warning to traditional chiefs in Oyo, particularly members of the Oyomesi, urging them to fully cooperate with and respect the authority of the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade. The caution came during a significant courtesy visit by the Alaafin to the Oluwo’s palace in Iwo.

Oba Akanbi, known for his forthrightness, declared that any attempts to undermine or sabotage the reign of Oba Owoade would lead to severe misfortune for the conspirators, citing personal experience from Iwo.

“Alaafin has emerged in Oyo, and he must be accepted by all,” Oba Akanbi asserted. “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 went further, stating, “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.”

The Oluwo also condemned the use of media by some monarchs to malign their peers, advocating for an end to such divisive practices and emphasizing the need for royal unity.

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In response, the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, expressed profound gratitude for the Oluwo’s unwavering support. He pledged to reinforce the historic bond between the two prominent Yoruba thrones and called for greater unity among all Yoruba traditional rulers, stressing that collective effort is paramount for the development and progress of Yorubaland.

Oba Owoade was accompanied by several district heads and chiefs from Oyo State during his visit. His ascension to the throne has been a subject of recent public interest, with traditional rites and a legal challenge regarding the selection process preceding his coronation as the 46th Alaafin.