Oluwo of Iwo Faces Massive Backlash Over Comments on Native Doctors and Traditional Practices
Oba Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo in Osun State, has ignited a firestorm of controversy across social media platforms following his strong criticism of native doctors and traditional practices in a widely circulated video. The monarch's remarks, which dismissed the role of Babalawos and ancestral shrines, have provoked intense anger, particularly within Yoruba communities where cultural heritage holds profound significance.
Monarch Questions Trust in Native Doctors and Distances Himself from Traditionalist Roles
In the viral video, Oba Adewale Akanbi explicitly questioned why anyone should entrust their life to a native doctor, emphasizing that such practitioners cannot perform modern medical procedures like surgery. He drew a clear distinction between religion, which he described as a personal relationship with God, and traditionalism, which he associated with shrines and oracles.
"Is it your so‑called traditional or native doctors that cannot perform a surgery that you want me to trust with my life? Religion is a different thing; it is about your personal relationship with God. There is reality, and I cannot entrust the reality of my life to a native doctor," the monarch stated firmly.
The Yoruba king further separated his royal role from that of traditionalists, insisting that kings should not be responsible for maintaining shrines. He described himself as a king who represents the Almighty God, not a custodian of shrines, and clarified that he does not practice traditionalist duties.
Oluwo Urges Yorubas to Abandon Idol Worship, Calling It a Curse
Oba Adewale Akanbi went on to urge southwesterners, specifically the Yoruba people, to abandon idol worship, which he characterized as a curse that hinders progress. His comments framed traditional practices as obstacles to development and spiritual advancement.
"Babalawo is a native doctor; he's a traditionalist, but I am not. I am not a traditionalist; I don't take care of Oracle's shrine. I am a king who represents the almighty God. It is the babalawo who takes care of a shrine. A king does not have any responsibility to take care of a shrine. That is what we have been telling the Yorubas: to let this curse be removed from us. Stop worshipping idols and oracles because it is a curse," he asserted.
The monarch also cautioned against comparing Yoruba traditions with those of Chinese and Indian cultures, arguing that Nigeria is greater than China and highlighting that Chinese entities depend on Nigeria for mineral resources. This comparison added another layer to his critique of traditional practices.
Widespread Online Criticism Accuses Monarch of Disrespecting Yoruba Heritage
The Oluwo's remarks have triggered widespread criticism across social media platforms, with many Nigerians accusing him of disrespecting ancestral knowledge and native healers that are integral to Yoruba identity and spirituality. Netizens expressed disappointment and anger, viewing his statements as an attack on cultural heritage.
Reactions compiled from social media include:
- @fesojaiye_01 commented: "All I see is a man passionately defending nonsense, with the confidence of someone who seems to have emptied a full drum of liquor just to fuel the delivery of pure jargon."
- @REWINDREElss stated: "Stop using money as a yardstick for leadership. Afobaje will not hear, now see this embarrassment of a slave on a throne that belongs to kings."
- @OguntimehinFra5 questioned: "Who choose this man as King, am not sure it's the same Ifa wey him Dey lambast na hin dem consult, cos w.tf why would a king be saying such."
- @DMAtv40 reacted: "Do Imams & pastors performs surgery? Babalawos are d ones who consult deities on behalf of the people. He is pretending to be dense to send Yorubas to slavery of Jihad."
- @apeofowo said: "But Oba Adewale Akambi it would have been nice to back your points with factual information. But the last time i checked idols in China has made their country great while in Nigeria we don't believe in idols we are lagging behind sir."
- @dejavumgmt questioned: "Wait o… I thought Ifa is always in the process of choosing these kings? Is this what Ifa also chose and Ifa didn't choose this guy how did they end up on the throne?"
These responses highlight a deep-seated frustration with the monarch's perspective, with many accusing him of undermining the very traditions that form the foundation of Yoruba kingship and cultural identity.
Background Context and Previous Statements by the Oluwo
This incident is not the first time Oba Adewale Akanbi has made headlines for controversial statements. Previously, he dismissed reports of terrorist activity in Iwo, describing them as false and misleading. The monarch emphasized that a security group mentioned in such reports works closely with police to maintain peace, and he warned against social media troublemakers spreading misinformation.
The current controversy underscores ongoing tensions between modern religious perspectives and traditional cultural practices in Nigeria, particularly within Yoruba society where ancestral knowledge and spiritual systems remain deeply valued by many. The Oluwo's comments have sparked a broader conversation about the role of traditional institutions in contemporary society and the preservation of cultural heritage amidst evolving beliefs.
