Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, of working against him despite allegedly helping him ascend the throne in 2015.
Speaking in a video from a Ramadan lecture in Iwo, Oba Akanbi claimed he played a key role in Ogunwusi’s emergence as the Ooni of Ife. He alleged that instead of showing gratitude, the Ooni has been plotting his downfall, including his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas.
Oba Akanbi recounted how he was approached by Akin Daodu, a mutual acquaintance, to assist then-Prince Ogunwusi. He said Ogunwusi’s main challenge was a legal dispute, which he helped resolve, paving the way for his enthronement. “In his presence, I called the person in charge, and the case was decided on Friday. Adeyeye became Ooni on Saturday,” he stated.
However, the Oluwo expressed disappointment, claiming that the Ooni has since turned against him. “He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilize my territory. He attacked me last month in the presence of the governor, saying that I am discouraging idol worship. He was part of those who used my former wife against me,” he alleged.
Reacting to the accusations, the Director of Media at the Ooni’s palace, Chief Moses Olafare, dismissed the claims, saying they were not worth a response. “Ooni is busy with developmental projects and doesn’t have time to respond to someone looking for attention,” he said.
The feud between the two monarchs has sparked discussions within traditional circles, with many waiting to see if the conflict will escalate further.