By Ayomide Otitoju
Traditional rulers in Ibadanland have condemned what they described as “irresponsible and unprovoked” remarks made by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, against the revered Oloolu masquerade, labeling his comments as “criminal” and “unconstitutional.”
The monarchs, under the aegis of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Baales, and the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), issued a strongly worded statement on Monday demanding a public apology and immediate retraction from Oba Akanbi.
In the statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, the traditional stakeholders accused the Oluwo of interfering in the internal cultural affairs of Ibadanland and warned that such actions could escalate tensions across Yorubaland.
“It is unfortunate that a traditional ruler of Oba Akanbi’s standing would publicly describe an age-old cultural institution like the Oloolu masquerade as criminal and unconstitutional. This is not only unacceptable but a direct insult to the Ibadan heritage,” the statement read.
The group urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene promptly, cautioning that failure to address the matter could lead to a prolonged cultural dispute in the region.
They further issued a deadline for the Oluwo to withdraw his remarks and offer an unreserved apology, warning of cultural consequences should he fail to comply.
The Oloolu masquerade is regarded as one of the most powerful ancestral symbols in Ibadan, embodying centuries of spiritual reverence and cultural authority.
As of the time of this report, Oba Akanbi had yet to respond to the demands.
