The Mogajis in Ibadanland, Baales, the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), alongside prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan, have issued a stern warning to the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, over his controversial comments on the revered Ibadan masquerade, Oloolu.
The stakeholders condemned the monarch’s recent viral video where he described the movement of the Oloolu masquerade across parts of Ibadan as “criminal” and “unconstitutional,” claiming that any masquerade that restricts women should be confined to the forest.
In a joint statement signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of ICPI, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, the stakeholders questioned why Oluwo would concern himself with the culture and traditions of Ibadan.
“If Oluwo does not understand the beauty of our culture and tradition, and is not ready to respect the customs through which he himself was enthroned as a king, then he should confine his rants to Iwo and Osun State, and not extend them to Ibadanland,” they said.
They described the monarch’s comments as “unfair” and “insulting” to the heritage of Ibadan. “He grew up in Ibadan, we know his antecedents. If he continues with this behaviour, we may be forced to expose certain aspects of his past,” the statement added.
Calling on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to rein in the monarch, the stakeholders said, “It is totally uncultured for a traditional ruler to insult the customs of another town. We wonder why the Osun State Government has tolerated him this long.”
They further warned that if Oluwo does not desist, Ibadan people may be compelled to take firm actions against him. “His comment on Oloolu is a direct insult to the Olubadan institution, all traditional institutions in Ibadanland, and indeed the entire people and heritage of Ibadan.”
The statement described Oluwo as “irrational and insincere,” and urged Yoruba leaders to caution him. “He will regret his actions if he continues like this,” they warned.
The stakeholders demanded a public retraction of the Oluwo’s statement within a few days, warning that failure to do so could spark outrage not just in Ibadan but across Yorubaland.
“We will not sit idly while he abuses our sacred Oloolu masquerade. What connection does the Oluwo have with Ibadan’s traditions? His actions appear calculated to spark a crisis within Yorubaland.”
They emphasized the peaceful coexistence of various religions and traditions within Ibadan, stating, “We’ve lived in harmony for ages. What exactly is this irritating behaviour from the Oluwo meant to achieve?”
