…Oyebamiji inaugurates grassroots mobilisers in Iwo Federal Constituency
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has thrown his royal support behind the 2026 governorship ambition of the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.
During a courtesy visit to the monarch’s palace, Oyebamiji sought royal blessings for his political journey, declaring his intention to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “rescue” Osun State and restore its lost glory.
“Kabiyesi, I have come to receive your royal blessings. I am on a mission to rescue Osun State from its present state. With over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, and 15 years of learning the Progressive way, I am ready to take the state to greater heights through the APC platform,” he said.
Oyebamiji also toured the Iwo Federal Constituency, which comprises Iwo, Ola-Oluwa, and Ayedire local government areas.
During the tour, he inaugurated grassroots campaigners tasked with mobilising new voters for the APC ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
He stated that consultations with APC leaders across the constituency have yielded encouraging feedback, boosting his confidence in the party’s chances of reclaiming the state.
In response, Oba Akanbi offered prayers for Oyebamiji and committed his ambition into God’s hands for fulfilment.
“I handed over your aspiration to God Almighty. He is the one who planned everything and who made all things happen. I pray that God will guide your course.”
Earlier, Oyebamiji was accomplished by bigwigs within APC, including ex-Speaker Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; former House of Representatives members and state lawmakers, Bade Falade; Hon. Gafar Amere, Hon. Yinusa Amobi and Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni; Hon. Olasunkanmi Akinola Omotuntun, Hon. Debo Akanbi, Hon. Abiodun Awolola, Hon. Festus Babatunde Komolafe,ex-Oyetola Commissioners, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, Sunday Akere, among others.
He harped on decorum, civility and decency in canvassing for support among the gubernatorial aspirants, saying it is sacrosanct to avoid politics of acrimony and campaign of calumny in all the political engagements.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has warned Oyo chiefs especially the Oyomesi, not to gang up against the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owooade, but cooperate with him.
Oluwo issued the warning when he received the Alaafin in his palace in Iwo yesterday, alongside some district heads and chiefs from Oyo State.
According to him, anyone who disrespects the king will end in ruin.
He said : “Alaafin has emerged in Oyo, he must be accepted by all. Anyone who is forming conspiracy against the king or waging war against Oba Akeem Owoade, should start checking his or her wealth, health and life, because they will be deteriorating, it has happened in Iwo before, I can tell you this for a fact.
“Any Oyomesi that is against the king or fails to support the king will perish, no matter how powerful they are. You(Alaafin) can remove such Oyomesi. You should give them one-week ultimatum, since the king has emerged, anyone who is not satisfied should go to court, do you know when the court will answer you? This is my tenth year on the throne while the case is still in court.”
He stressed the need to cooperate with the king, adding that no one must conspire against any king. He said those doing so will not end well.
Earlier, Oba Owoade thanked Oluwo for his support since he became king and promised to keep the existing relationship between Iwo and Oyo.
He equally called for unity among traditional rulers in Yoruba land.
“We all need ourselves to develop Yoruba land,” he added.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has cautioned Oyo traditional chiefs, particularly members of the Oyomesi, against opposing the reign of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, urging them to cooperate and respect the authority of the newly installed monarch.
Oba Akanbi issued the warning on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Alaafin to his palace in Iwo, accompanied by several district heads and chiefs from Oyo State.
The Oluwo stated that any attempt to sabotage the Alaafin’s reign would bring misfortune to the conspirators.
“Alaafin has emerged in Oyo, and he must be accepted by all,” he said. “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 added, “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.”
Oba Akanbi also condemned the use of media by some monarchs to malign their peers, urging an end to such practices.
“Kings must support each other; any king sponsoring media attacks against fellow monarchs must desist immediately.”
In response, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, expressed gratitude to Oluwo for his unwavering support and pledged to strengthen the historic bond between the thrones of Oyo and Iwo.
He also called for unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, emphasising that collective effort is essential for the development of Yorubaland.
“We need each other to move Yoruba land forward,” the Alaafin said.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has raised alarm over a looming interstate conflict between Osun and Oyo States stemming from a long-standing land dispute.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, the monarch called on Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, to urgently harmonize stakeholder interests to prevent a potential clash.
Oba Akanbi pointed to rising tensions between residents of the Oke Oba axis of Iwoland (Osun State) and the Lagelu area of Ibadan (Oyo State), describing the situation as a brewing territorial crisis.
He noted that the dispute has been under the purview of the National Boundary Commission for years, with a comprehensive report already prepared and awaiting public presentation, pending facilitation by both state governors.
The Oluwo accused individuals from the Lagelu area of illegal land grabbing, claiming they have been forcefully taking over land and attacking villagers in several Iwoland communities, including Ogunajo, Eleye, Molamu, Paku, Ejemu Oja, Oloya, Arikese, Eleweran, Olofa Ogundiran, and Molafe.
He urged the two governors to consult the clearly defined boundary map established in 1991 when Osun State was carved out of the old Oyo State.
“As a peace-loving Royal Father,” Oba Akanbi stated, “I appeal to the Governors of Osun and Oyo States, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke and Engr. Seyi Makinde respectively, to harmonize their interests in resolving the long-standing boundary dispute between the people of Oke Oba Papa Axis of Iwoland and the Lagelu area of Ibadan.”
“Just yesterday, these land grabbers from Lagelu mobilized again for an onslaught against the people of Oke Oba villages in Iwoland. They have committed arson by destroying both public and private properties. They have sacked teachers and students from classrooms. I feared further silence may degenerate into a larger event if not timely curtailed.
“The palaces of some Baales were completely destroyed. Oloola Molamu Oyin was razed last week. Osun has District Council Primary school and maternity there. The people of these villages have Osun State polling units during elections. They have removed the roof of all these government facilities. They removed the roof, loot and set ablaze the palace. They took Over people’s farms, harvested their goods and rubbed them at gunpoint. They have their thugs stationed at these villages till date with guns and other deadly weapons.”
A quiet but bruising war is raging between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over alleged dethronement plots.
Oluwo, in a statement on Friday night, alleged that Oba Ogunwusi was seeking his downfall despite playing a prominent role in his emergence as the Ooni of Ife.
He stated that the link he used for Oba Ogunwusi would have been used for his elder brother, Tunji Adeyeye, who was his friend and peer at Akobo, Ibadan at a tender age.
Oluwo recalled how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, then a close ally of Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.
He said: “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me.
“He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting against the AIG who was a star witness to what transpired.
“He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilise my territory.
“He attacked me last month in the presence of the governor, that I am discouraging deity worship.
“He was one of those who used my former wife against me.
“He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such is a dream that can never come true.
“No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me and no one can bring me down.
“He should keep trying. He will be the one to live to regret. His cohorts that tried it in the past failed.”
However, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, speaking through his Director of Media, Otunba Moses Olafare, denied the allegations raised by Oluwo.
He said: “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 wanted to be king, Ooni supported him with cash and other logistics that we can’t even mention here.
“At the last Council of Oba meeting, Ooni only jokingly told Oluwo that he should not condemn any monarch for worshipping deities but should allow anyone to practice anything they feel is good for them.”
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are at loggerheads over alleged dethronement plots.
Oluwo, in a statement on Friday night, alleged that Oba Ogunwusi is seeking his downfall after he played a prominent role in his emergence as Ooni of Ife.
He claimed the link he used for Oba Ogunwusi would have been used for his elder brother, Tunji Adeyeye, who was his friend and peer at Akobo, Ibadan but he underrated his status.
Oluwo narrated how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, a close ally to Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.
He said “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me. He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting against the AIG who was a star witness to what transpired. He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilize my territory.
“He attacked me last month in the presence of the Governor that I’m discouraging deity worshipping. He was part of those who used my former wife against me. He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such is a dream that can never come through. No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me and no one can bring me down.
“He should keep trying. He will be the one to live to regret, his cohorts that have tried it in the past failed.”
But the Ooni of Ife, through its Director of Media, Otunba Moses Olafare, denied the allegations.
He said: “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 wanted to be the king, Ooni supported him with cash and other logistics that we can’t even mention here.
“At the last Council of Oba meeting, Ooni only jokingly told Oluwo that he should not condemn any monarch for worshipping deities but should allow anyone to practice anything that they feel is good for them.”
The monarch, reacting to BBC’s documentary in a statement yesterday, said Yoruba history was distorted about the only female Ile-Ife monarch, Iya Luwo Gbagida.
He said: “It is imperative for us to react to the BBC story before it consumes and forms the basis for historical knowledge of innocent sons and daughters of Yoruba land.
“We want to state that her correct name is Luwo Gbagida, not Luwo Gbagidi. As against the report published by BBC Yoruba, Iya Luwo Gbagida never bore the title of Ooni, but Alaafin translated it to Olofin in Ile-Ife language. Oduduwa used the title of Alaafin.
“Oduduwa conquered Ife and used the Alaafin title after the conquest. The title of Ooni was first used by the second ruler of Ife, Obamakin Osangangan, because they were of the shrine priesthood lineage.”
Oluwo continued: “Samuel Johnson, a freed slave traced to Oyo origin, was the one that used the title Ooni for all Ife kings so as not to rival the king of his ancestral home. Luwo Gbagida was the 16th Alaafin of Ife, not the 21st as erroneously reported by BBC Yoruba.
“Equally, Adekola Telu was never the first Oluwo. The first Oluwo was Olumade Paarin, who was instructed by Luwo not to wear the crown, except when he sees where parrots are hatching.”
The late Owa Obokun and paramount ruler of Ijehsaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, was a remarkable and exemplary monarch whose credits cut across many institutions, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, Telu 1, has said.
In a statement issued yesterday, Oba Akanbi described Aromolaran as a meritorious traditional ruler, who brought development to Ijesaland during his reign.
“He convincingly placed the status of Ijehsaland to an enviable height. He was a fulfilled monarch, “the statement said.
He said the late Aromolaran was also an educationist and an author. He wrote many academic books that have significantly contributed and still contributing to knowledge. He was a builder who had closed many prison doors through his wealth of educational materials.
“I commiserate with the princes, chiefs, and the entire good people of Ijehsaland over Oba Aromolaran’s demise. The late Oba has left a credit name to be enjoyed for years by the sons and daughters of Ijehsaland.
Says she was scared first time he took on idol worshippers
Explains how she got attracted to monarch
The gaiety of Queen Firdaus Abdullahi Akanbi, wife of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulraheed Akanbi, is easily noticeable by anyone that is meeting her for the first time. The soft-spoken Kano princess of the Ado Bayero dynasty and graduate of Business Management from the Modern University of Science and Technology, Cairo, Egypt spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI about her love life and the side of her husband that is hidden from many people.
HOW did you meet your husband?
I met my husband through an aunt of mine, and from there we started talking and understood each other. Then I decided that this is the man I would want to get married to.
Did you bother to learn more about Yoruba tradition before you got married to him?
All those things were not new to me because of the place I came from. In the palace where I grew up, we had our own culture and tradition. But coming here, there is nothing new to me apart from the way they dress and talk. Those were the things I found different. But I am trying to understand the tradition and culture more. There is really nothing new to me, because we have similarities considering the way we greet and talk to people, the respect and all that.
In other words, you did not experience any culture shock when you got into Oluwo’s palace?
Since I came into the palace, I have not experienced any culture shock. Honestly, there is nothing like that. There are no idols. Before then, they told me that I would find strange things, I would find idols in the palace, I would be scared or things like that. God is my witness, I have not seen anything that has shocked me here. I have not seen idols or something different from my own culture.
How did your parents react to it when you told them that you were going to marry a Yoruba monarch?
Actually, I lost my father when I was young. But I would say my mother and my other family members were not opposed to it. My late grandfather, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, married a Yoruba woman, so it was not like a shock to us. They lived with a Yoruba queen; she was my step-mum. She was a good woman and we saw the way she was treating people. So when they told them that I was going to marry a Yoruba king, they were not shocked. They only told me that if I loved him, I could go ahead, saying there was nothing wrong in marrying a Yoruba king.
In this part of the world, many find cross cultural marriage strange, and they are not favourably disposed to it…
Yes, some people find it strange. But I personally did not find it strange because since I started talking to Kabiyesi (Oluwo), he was very cool and I liked his character. I just said I would do it because it is not about the Yoruba culture but the person you are living with. If you understand him, you can live with him. As far as he loves me and can take care of me, I don’t allow culture and all that to get to me.
What would you tell people with an aversion for cross-cultural marriage?
I would tell them to go ahead because it is a beautiful thing. You will learn another language, tradition and different kinds of food; it is just a beautiful thing to be honest. I love a lot of things about the Yoruba culture and I think a lot of people are trying to get married to Yoruba because they take good care of their family. That is what I love about the Yoruba people. I believe that if you love someone, just go for that person as long as your heart wants to be with that person. It is a beautiful experience to be honest.
What tutelage did you undergo before you came into the palace?
From the place I grew up, I was thought to be respectful, prayerful and take care of the people around me. All these were ingrained in me and that is what I have adopted since I got here. It is the way I grew up. Nobody has to guide me on how to behave in the palace.
What was it like to grow up in the palace?
Growing up in the palace was beautiful and interesting, because as a young child, they would teach you how to be responsible and act around people. You cannot just go out; you have to be extra careful when you are in the palace — the way you dress, the way you talk to people, the way you communicate. You just have to have duties. I grew up with care and love.
What are those things you are finding difficult to adjust to since you came into Oluwo’s palace?
I think the only challenge is the language. But I’m trying to understand it more and to learn it because sometimes, I would like to communicate with some people in English but they do not understand English. Every other thing around here is beautiful.
Talking about Kabiyesi, what really attracted him to you?*
He is a good man. If you get to know him, you will like him. He is very honest. He will tell you the truth even if it will get you angry. He is very caring, and I love everything about him. He is unique in his own way. You just need to understand him and you will love him. He is a man of integrity. He has a heart of gold. Nobody can know him better than I do. He is just a lovely person. People could think that he is hard, but from inside, he is very soft and very jovial too.
They accepted me. Whenever I go out, they receive me with love. I don’t have any problem with the people
What are the things you are missing as a wife of a traditional ruler?
Kabiyesi is not the kind of person that would stop you from doing anything you want. I grew up in the palace and we didn’t normally go out. We were always at the palace. I like my space. Anything that I want to do, he allows me do it. If I want to go out, I can go out. I don’t think that there is anything except that you will be missing your family members. But whenever I am missing them, I can go and see them.
Would you allow your daughter to get married to a Yoruba traditional ruler?
Of course yes, because I don’t think there is anything wrong in marrying a Yoruba traditional ruler. If she loves him and really wants to be with him and he is a good man, I will just pray for her, because there is nothing wrong with marrying a Yoruba traditional ruler as long as he is not an idol worshipper and he is a good Muslim.
How was life in Cairo where you schooled?
It was a beautiful experience. It was peaceful but could be overwhelming because of the overcrowded places and the people there sometimes. You know Arabs; they don’t like black people. But it was fine and I enjoyed my stay there. They have an easy life there. Their foods were affordable and the transportation system was okay.
Most elite in the north prefer to send their wards to study in Egypt. Why is that so?
It is probably because Egypt is safe, and partially because it is affordable. There are lots of schools there, including American universities. They teach in English too. Maybe people send their wards their because of the environment. You cannot find clubs there where your child would be spoilt. They are also very respectful.
You studied Business Management but went into catering services. What informed your choice of business line?
My background in business management prepared me to manage my own business, and the catering business has been my passion since I was a child. I liked to cook. It is not just about money; I just love to do it.
But you suspended the business. Do you see yourself resuscitating this in the near future?
Yes, Insha Allah, because it is my passion. I love it.
Unlike your husband, you are an indoor person. How do you manage this?
It is about balancing. He likes to go out and I like staying indoors. It is my nature. It was the way I was brought up. They didn’t normally let us go out. I enjoy my own space. If you do some research about our tradition and wives of kings in the north, they don’t normally go out. That was the way I saw my grandma. I never saw her go out. If there is something happening in the palace, I will go and attend to it. It is like I’m getting used to the tradition in Yorubaland.
What are the prices you have had to pay for being Oluwo’s wife?
It is just about sacrifice. You have to sacrifice a lot. I don’t think there is anything. You just have to be composed, know how to talk, know how to be respectful and love the community. That is all.
Did growing up in the palace prepare you for your current role?
Well, like now that I don’t normally go out, it is because of my upbringing. My upbringing really prepared me for this.
Do you normally get scared about some of the hard line positions your husband takes on issues, especially his campaign against idol worshipping?
At first I was scared. But gradually when I got to understand him, I was not scared again, because I believe that if you are with God, He will protect you. Whatever he is doing, I’m supporting him because I don’t think he is doing anything wrong, and I’m not scared of anything. I’m praying for him, God will continue to guide him. I’m not scared. Some things at first got to me, but I am not scared again, because I believe that he is doing the right thing
Because of the age difference, you are bound to look at things from different points of view. How do you resolve your differences?
You just have to know how to talk. You have to be calm. You cannot shout or get angry. Whenever I want to say something, I’m always respectful and I will find the time when he is calm and happy to do so. He understands.
What is that thing that is unique about Oluwo that nobody knows about?
He is a very jovial person. He can come now and start singing for me. He is a lovely person too. He has the heart of gold and he is prayerful. Oluwo is very, very romantic. He is the best decision I have ever made in my life.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi has urged President Bola Tinubu not to approve the creation of state police.
Oluwo warned that the establishment of state police may lead to civil war by state actors who flaunt Federal government authorities.
Oba Akanbi in a statement on Monday, May 20, opined that the autocratic governors are likely to abuse the process and also destabilize the existing cooperation amongst the state authorities.
He said: “State policing has a dare consequence and tantamount to lead to civil war by the state actors who flaunt federal government authorities.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not assent to such an inimical proposal capable of undermining the exclusive legislative power of the federal government on security. Our President Tinubu should instead recruit more police officers and improve the welfare package of the Nigerian Police Force.
“Policing is on the exclusive legislative list of the federal government. Creating a state police will destabilize the existing tranquillity and cooperation existing between and among the Nigerian state authorities. Nigeria is not ripe for state policing.”
