By Erewunmi Peace

A storm of reactions has followed recent remarks by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, who described the revered Oloolu masquerade of Ibadan as “criminal” and “unconstitutional.” His comments, which surfaced in a viral video, have drawn the ire of Ibadan traditional leaders and cultural stakeholders.

In a strongly worded statement, the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Baales, and the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI) condemned the Oluwo’s comments, labeling them as disrespectful to Ibadanland and its age-old traditions.

“We urge the Oluwo to restrict his rascality to Iwo and Osun State. He has no right to insult Ibadan’s culture or our masquerades,” said Chief Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Mogajis.

The Oloolu masquerade, known as one of Ibadan’s most powerful traditional figures, has been a significant symbol of the city’s heritage for centuries. The leaders emphasized that the masquerade plays a vital role in local spirituality and historical identity, and any external attack on it will not be tolerated.

They also called for an immediate retraction and apology from Oba Akanbi, warning him to avoid further comments that could incite cultural conflict or disrespect among Yoruba communities.

Oba Akanbi, known for his unconventional royal style, has not responded officially to the backlash as of press time.

This incident highlights the growing tension between modern leadership styles and traditional cultural systems, raising questions about the boundaries of royal commentary and inter-town respect.