At the heart of Nigeria’s Yoruba royalty, a tumultuous controversy is shaking the relationship between two prestigious figures: the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, and the Ooni of Ife. These two monarchs, guardians of age-old traditions and key players in Nigerian society, respectively embody the heritage of the city of Iwo and that of the city of Ife, considered the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
At the center of this quarrel, a dispute over age and royal protocol divides the two sovereigns. The Oluwo claims to be older than the Ooni, a position he refuses to give up despite established norms of hierarchy. This situation has given rise to palpable tensions, symbolized by controversial events such as the allegation that the Ooni was “chased” from the Oluwo’s palace.
However, not everything seems clear in this affair. Indeed, a viral video circulating on social media showing the Ooni discussing this alleged ouster has been described as old by the Oluwo’s spokesperson. The latter claims that the Ooni has never set foot in the royal palace in Iwo, which raises questions about the veracity of the former’s statements about his supposedly unpleasant experience at his counterpart’s house.
This royal saga, while tinged with controversy and rivalry, also reflects the complex issues that characterize the relations between the various royal entities in Nigeria. The question of seniority, respect for traditions and protocols occupies a central place in this affair, highlighting the challenges faced by contemporary monarchs in an ever-changing context.
Ultimately, this feud between the Oluwo and the Ooni, beyond its sensational aspects, invites a deeper reflection on the values and issues that animate the Yoruba royalty. Between tradition and modernity, respect for history and self-affirmation, the challenges faced by these royal icons are both specific to their context and universal in their symbolic scope. The saga continues, under the watchful eye of a Nigerian society in search of benchmarks and continuity in a constantly changing world.