The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has officially banned Hennessy and all other alcoholic drinks from his palace. The monarch announced the decision in a video posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, August 4, warning that anyone bringing alcohol to the palace harbors harmful intentions.
Monarch Warns Against Alcohol as a Health Hazard
In the video, Oba Akanbi expressed strong opposition to alcohol consumption, particularly among elders. He stated that drinks like gin and schnapps, often reserved for the elderly, are manufactured by Western companies to destroy internal organs. "Anyone who brings hot drinks to the king's palace wants to eliminate the king. Gin, schnapps reserved for the elderly should not be brought to my palace because what they call alcohol for the elderly is made by the Western people to kill and destroy internal organs. It will render the kidneys useless," he said.
The traditional ruler also revealed that he had been informed of recent attempts to present Hennessy to him at the palace. "I heard you brought Hennessy; don't bring it here o; you want to kill me. Anyone who brings Hennessy or other dangerous alcoholic drinks has the intention to kill me. So, I should drink an entire bottle; what will I use to pray?" he asked.
Alcohol Not Part of Yoruba Tradition, Says Oluwo
Akanbi argued that alcohol has never been a part of authentic Yoruba ancestral tradition. His stance aligns with the World Health Organisation's long-standing guidance that no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe for health. The monarch's ban underscores a broader commitment to promoting healthier cultural practices within his domain.
Oluwo Condemns Masquerade Violence and Festival Restrictions
Beyond the alcohol ban, Oba Akanbi used the opportunity to criticize several cultural practices he considers harmful. He condemned the tradition of masquerades flogging people on the streets, labeling it as outright violence. "Are Yoruba cows? How can I be a king and people are being macheted in the streets? Are we butchers?" he said.
He further urged practitioners of traditional religion to abandon violent customs if they seek broader public acceptance. The monarch also questioned the legality of restricting movement during the Oro festival, stating, "We restrict people's movement; even the president cannot do that. It is unconstitutional. It is illegal." He challenged why women are barred from moving freely during certain traditional festivals.
Oluwo's History of Outspokenness
Since becoming the Oluwo in 2016, Akanbi has consistently spoken out against Yoruba cultural practices he views as outdated or harmful. His outspoken style has drawn controversy, including a suspension by the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers over allegations of improper conduct towards fellow monarchs. He dismissed that suspension at the time as "a mere audio pronouncement."
Related: Monarch Bans Female Native Doctors
In a similar vein, the Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, His Royal Majesty Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge SAN, announced on Thursday, February 13, a ban on the activities of 'Eze-Nwanyi' (female native doctors/goddesses) and other unregulated traditional practitioners. The decision was made amid concerns that these groups are fueling criminal activities, including kidnappings and ritual-related crimes.
