Oluwo of Iwo declares that only fools and slaves to tradition will keep worshipping Yoruba idols such as Sango, Ogun, Obatala, and Osun, insisting that only God deserves true reverence.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on all Yorubas and descendants of Odùduwà to abandon the worship of traditional deities and forefathers, whom he described as “God’s specially chosen” in history.
He stressed that the true worship should be directed only to the Almighty Creator who made humanity and continues to sustain life.
In a video that has circulated widely, the monarch questioned the logic behind venerating deities such as Sango, Ogun, Obatala, Oya, and Osun.
According to him, if these figures are considered “specially chosen by God,” then it reduces every other human being to “mere ordinary beings or fools,” which he said is misleading.
He argued that only those who choose to remain slaves to tradition would continue idol worship, insisting that human beings are equally capable of being chosen by God, depending on how they see themselves.
Oba Akanbi further explained that even revered ancestral figures like Odùduwà, Obatala, Sango, and Ogun all ultimately served one supreme God, rather than demanding worship for themselves.
He encouraged Yorubas to embrace a mindset of surpassing their ancestors rather than remaining tied to outdated traditions.
“The forefathers are gone; they have lived their lives. It is now left for us to rise above them and move forward,” he said.
Citing examples, the Oluwo pointed to the legacies of great leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that their societal contributions far outweigh the relevance of idols that people still bow to in worship.
He went further to proclaim himself among the “God specially chosen,” declaring that he no longer belongs to the group of people he described as “fools.”
Meanwhile, IREPORT247NEWS recalls that the Oluwo had earlier praised the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, and was laid to rest the following day in strict adherence to Islamic rites. Oba Akanbi described the process as a landmark liberation for the Yoruba traditional institution.
In his view, the dignified and sacred burial accorded the late monarch was a significant step towards restoring respect, sanctity, and honour to Yoruba kingship—both in life and in death.H
e particularly expressed satisfaction that the late Awujale was not subjected to mutilation or desecration after death, a practice he condemned as barbaric and degrading, likening it to the treatment of slaughtered animals by butchers.
“The determination shown by the family of the late Awujale, the Ogun State Governor, and the Attorney General is commendable,” Oba Akanbi stated.“
Their actions not only fulfilled Oba Adetona’s wishes but also set a strong precedent for the protection of the dignity of Yoruba traditional stools.”
“Honour does not end with life. A king’s dignity should be preserved up to the grave and beyond.
“Subjecting a monarch to mutilation after death is an insult to the throne and to the people it represents.”
READ MORE- Traditions: No More Butchering of Kings! Oluwo Applauds Awujale’s Burial