Oluwo of Iwo Declared Dethroned in Purported Traditional Decree

A notice dated October 24, 2026, and attributed to Dr Takinlade Kehinde Samuel Akintoye has purportedly declared the dethronement of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, also known as Telu I, while announcing the withdrawal of his royal privileges.

The Press Nigeria reports that the document, issued in the name of HIMES Aare Gbogbo Oba Ile Oodua Atewonro Orunto Odidimade, accuses the monarch of conduct allegedly undermining Yoruba cultural heritage and traditional institutions.

Among the allegations listed in the notice are the monarch’s public utterances, reported altercations with fellow traditional rulers, alleged public desecration of his crown and criticism of ancestral traditions associated with Ile-Ife.

The purported decree outlines several sanctions against the Oluwo, including a permanent prohibition on sitting on the throne of Iwo, wearing the royal crown and regalia, and presiding over meetings of the Iwo Traditional Council.

It also seeks to withdraw his authority to represent the traditional institution in official capacities.

Beyond the stated restrictions, the document invokes spiritual consequences against the monarch, his spouse, children and anyone alleged to support his defiance of the declaration.

The notice references God, Allah and Olodumare in its warning, presenting the proposed sanctions as a declaration intended to enforce its position on Yoruba cultural values and traditional authority.

However, the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the document, the authority of its purported issuer to declare the Oluwo dethroned and the legal or official status of the pronouncement remain unverified.

The declaration should therefore not be taken as confirmation that Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi has been officially removed from the throne. Any claim of formal dethronement would require confirmation from the relevant government authorities and other legally recognised traditional institutions.