Mogajis and Noble Princes of Iwo have publicly disowned a group of youths claiming to speak on behalf of the Iwo royal family, describing their actions as a coordinated attempt to blackmail the reigning Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, and undermine the institution of kingship.
At a press conference held at the Oluwo Palace Square, the royal family members categorically distanced themselves from what they called “baseless and malicious claims” made by the group, including controversial allegations that Oba Akanbi had tampered with the remains of past monarchs.
Reading the joint statement on behalf of the royal family, Prince Wasiu Hammed Modunle, Mogaji Modunle of Iwo, stated that the allegations were “frivolous and fabricated lies aimed at tarnishing the image of a monarch chosen by God.”
He particularly addressed the claims about the desecration of royal graves, stating that when Oba Akanbi ascended the throne, there were no visible traces of burial sites for past kings, except four neglected graves behind the palace.
According to him, these were in deplorable conditions—some turned into dumping sites, others occupied by fetish items.
“Rather than desecrate, the Oluwo carried out a comprehensive renovation of the identified graves, tiling and beautifying them to reflect their royal status,” the statement said.
The princes gave one of the accusers, Adedoja Sarafa Osunwo, a 48-hour ultimatum to present evidence or face legal action.
‘They Are Not Real Princes’ – Royals Fire Back
The statement accused the individuals behind the press campaigns of being impostors without royal lineage, some of whom, they alleged, belong to secret societies and are tools of those who previously contested the Oluwo stool.
“These individuals want a king they can control—a conservative ruler who will continue the tradition of being dictated to, allow land grabbing, and maintain archaic customs.
“But Oba Akanbi represents a modern kingship rooted in service and development,” the princes declared.
They described the monarch’s reign as transformative, noting that before his ascension, even the palace structure was unbefitting of the royal seat and that no effort was made to honour past monarchs.
“These so-called princes did nothing to refurbish even their fathers’ graves. The palace today, under Oba Akanbi, reflects royal dignity,” the princes added.
The Iwo royal family also issued a warning to members of the press, urging journalists to verify information regarding Iwo royalty directly from recognized blue-blooded princes and palace authorities.
“Reporters should stop attending press briefings hosted in dilapidated buildings by impostors. Authentic voices of Iwo royalty are within the palace.
“It’s like conducting a DNA test—you cannot pick someone from the street to speak on behalf of a family,” the statement said.
The royal family also responded to criticisms about the Oluwo’s adoption of the title Alaafin, clarifying that it is a spiritual designation meaning “owner of the palace,” traditionally used by kings appointed by God across Yoruba land.
“Olodumare is the Alaafin. The term is not exclusive to Oyo. Oduduwa himself used it. The criticism only shows their ignorance of Yoruba history and spiritual arithmetic,” they noted.
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In a stern closing remark, the royal family referred to the dissenters as “perpetual failures” who had attempted to undermine the king several times but failed.
“We apologise to the Oluwo for holding this press conference while he is on an official trip to Abuja, but we can no longer keep silent.
” These detractors must be exposed. Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi will reign long.
“Those hoping for another king they can control are chasing shadows,” the princes noted.