Ibadan Traditional Leaders Petition Gov. Adeleke, Slam Oluwo Of Iwo Over Comments On Oloolu Masquerade

Traditional leaders in Ibadanland have expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as “unprovoked and irresponsible” remarks made by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, against the revered Oloolu masquerade, describing it as “criminal” and “unconstitutional.”

The leaders, under the umbrella of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Baales, and the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), on Monday demanded an immediate retraction of the comments and a public apology from the monarch.

In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, the traditional stakeholders accused Oba Akanbi of “meddling in the internal affairs and sacred customs of Ibadanland,” warning that such conduct could incite unnecessary tension in Yorubaland.

The statement read in part: “It is rather unfortunate that a traditional ruler of Oba Akanbi’s status would publicly describe an age-long cultural institution like the Oloolu masquerade as criminal and unconstitutional. This is unacceptable and a deliberate insult on Ibadan heritage.”

They urged the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to intervene swiftly and caution the monarch before his utterances spark what they termed “an everlasting crisis in Yorubaland.”

The group further issued a deadline for Oba Akanbi to withdraw his comments and tender an unreserved apology to the people of Ibadan, warning that failure to do so would attract consequences.

“We are giving Oba Akanbi a few days to publicly retract his derogatory remarks. Should he fail, we shall not hesitate to take necessary actions within the bounds of our culture and tradition to defend the dignity of Ibadanland,” they warned.

The Oloolu masquerade, widely regarded as one of the most powerful and respected traditional institutions in Ibadan, has been a symbol of ancestral reverence and spiritual authority for centuries.

As of the time of filing this report, Oba Akanbi has yet to respond to the calls for retraction and apology.

Sodiq Yusuf

Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.

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