The Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has sparked controversy after a video surfaced showing him praying with his head uncovered during his visit to Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from his followers and critics alike.
In the video shared on social media, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi was seen praying openly without covering his head, contrary to the customary practice among Yoruba kings to always keep their heads covered in public. This departure from tradition prompted criticism from some of his followers who expressed disappointment at what they perceived as a disregard for Yoruba cultural norms.
One of his followers, fabricsbyarinola, commented, “I thought a king must not open their head in public?” While another, Acube321, wrote, “You can’t be the custodian of Yoruba culture and still worship in the Arab way. This is too bad sir.”
However, not all reactions were negative. Some supporters defended the Oluwo’s actions, emphasizing the equality of all individuals in the presence of Allah. Nadee_a_kitchen_treat remarked, “Islam is beautiful. May Almighty Allah accept your worship.”
Despite the mixed reactions to his prayer posture, the Oluwo of Iwo faced additional criticism for a particular prayer he made, where he expressed a desire for people to visit Iwo in the same way Muslims visit Makkah. Critics questioned the readiness of Iwo to accommodate such visitors, highlighting concerns about infrastructure and attractions.
The incident underscores ongoing debates about cultural identity and religious practices among traditional leaders in Nigeria, particularly in the context of global visibility and local traditions.
