Iwo monarch to celebrate 10 years of reign November 16

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, will on Sunday, November 16, 2025, mark his 10th coronation anniversary with a grand celebration at the Kings Riverside Resort, Iwo, Osun State.

Oba Akanbi, who ascended the throne in November 2015 after his announcement by then governor Rauf Aregbesola, has spent the last decade carving a distinct identity for his monarchy. Known variously as Alase Lori Orisa, Telu I, and Arole Olodumare, the Oluwo often stresses that he is but a physical representation of the Supreme King.

“I am not the real King. Only God is the King. I am merely a custodian of His stool,” the monarch once declared, emphasising his vision of a palace dedicated to God.

Since his enthronement, Oba Akanbi has positioned himself as an unapologetic advocate of God-centered kingship, seeking to reform traditional rulership in Yorubaland. He insists that his mission is to “clean the mess and corruption” in the institution while upholding the rich heritage of the Yoruba people.

The journey, however, has not been without controversies. His unconventional style and outspoken nature have attracted criticism, resistance, and even threats. Yet, the monarch maintains that such challenges have strengthened his resolve.

“The more they throw stones, the more castles I build. Some who once opposed me now stand by me,” he said of his detractors.

Alli Ibraheem, Chief Press Secretary to the Oluwo, noted that the monarch has survived plots, poison, assassination attempts, and court challenges in the past decade  all of which he attributes to divine grace.

The forthcoming anniversary, expected to attract eminent personalities from across Nigeria and beyond, will celebrate not only Oba Akanbi’s reign but also his vision of a reformed monarchy rooted in God-consciousness, truth, and resilience.