The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has revealed that he was chased out of the palace of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, during a visit. In a viral TikTok video, the Ooni shared the incident, explaining how he was treated disrespectfully during the encounter.
“When I visited Oluwo, he chased me out like a child,” Ooni said in the video. “Since that incident, I have kept my distance. Now that people are asking me to visit him again, what if he does as he pleases?”
Despite the past tension, the Ooni said he would show respect as the elder in their relationship. He added, “I have to contain his excesses as an elder, although I am young sitting on the throne of elders. Oluwo, I greet you.”
Though the Ooni did not elaborate on any ongoing feud, reports suggest the disagreement stems from Oluwo’s stance against traditional practices. Oba Akanbi, who is known for his strong opposition to idol worship, has repeatedly emphasized his mission to preach monotheism. “I don’t do Ogun or any idol festival,” the Oluwo stated in a separate video, reaffirming his commitment to avoiding traditional religious practices.
Oba Akanbi also noted that Iwo has been an Islamic town since the 1600s, a transformation led by past monarchs who established the first mosque in Southwestern Nigeria. In 2018, there were reports of another confrontation between the two monarchs when the Oluwo claimed the Ooni’s bodyguard pushed him at a public event, a claim the Ooni’s palace has denied.
Despite these public exchanges, the two monarchs remain vinfluential figures within Osun State, each holding distinct views on cultural and religious matters.
