Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Oluwo of Iwo, was recently suspended for six months. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi presided over the Osun State Traditional Rulers’ Council which made the decsion. The grounds for the royal father’s suspension include his alleged disrespect for Alaafin of Oyo, Alake of Egbaland and Ooni. He also allegedly assaulted the Agboowu of Ogbaagba, Dhikrulahi Akinropo, over a land dispute in Iwo land.
Additionally, the council put together a committee headed by the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun. The council mandated the committe to investigate the matter involving the Oluwo and Obas in Iwo land. The matter revolves around the alleged assault of the Agboowo. The incident reportedly occurred in Osogbo at the office of the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Zone 11. The AIG, Bashir Makama, had called the meeting to settle an ongoing land dispute in Iwo. During the meeting, the Olowu allegedly attacked the Mr Akinropo. Consequently, the victim was taken to the hospital. At first, the perpetrator claimed to act on self-defence but later denied assaulting Mr Akinropo. The incident led to the emergency council meeting that ruled over his 6 months suspension.
Initially, the accused Oba Akanbi laughed off their decisio described the penalty as an audio suspension. The term meaning that the pronounced decision was for formality sake and would not be executed. He stated that the suspension would not affect his role or royal duties. Also, he denied assaulting the victim.
Conclusion
In a statement released by his press secretary on Monday, the Oluwo reneged on his initial opinion. The Oluwo of Iwo promised to honour the decision of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers that suspended him for six months over alleged indecent acts. He also expressed his regrets over the incident that transpired between him and the Agboowu of Ogbaagba, Dhikrulahi Akinropo. He further described it as ‘unfortunate’. However, he insisted that he never assaulted the Agboowu or any Oba at any time. The Oluwo pledged to abide by the ” harsh and undeserved” suspension.
