Oluwo Bans Reps Member From Palace Over Alleged Neglect of Iwo Traditional Institution

 

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has barred the member representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, Lukman Mudasiru, from entering his palace over what he described as neglect of Iwoland’s traditional institution.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, the monarch said elected representatives from the district owe the traditional stool accountability and regular engagement, stressing that the palace remains the cultural and political symbol of the district.

According to him, the position of Oluwo carries historic and traditional authority not only in Iwo but across Osun State West Senatorial District.

“Oluwo is an entity and the traditional head of the town. Any politician representing any part of this district owes the stool stewardship explanation because they represent the collective interest of the people,” the monarch stated.

Oba Akanbi maintained that Hon. Mudasiru had failed to accord the palace due recognition, declaring that the lawmaker would no longer be allowed access to the palace.

“He cannot enter Oluwo’s palace,” the monarch said, adding that respect for traditional authority remains fundamental in Yoruba culture.

The royal father likened the situation to “starting to bathe from the legs,” saying any attempt to sideline the traditional institution amounts to disregard for established order.

The latest development follows recent remarks by the monarch in a viral video where he openly criticised politicians from Iwo, accusing them of failing to contribute meaningfully to the palace and the development of the community.

While hosting an Accord Party House of Representatives aspirant, Ayodeji Bello, at his palace, Oluwo said Iwo, as the headquarters of Osun West Senatorial District, deserves greater attention, development and political respect.

He lamented that politicians from outside Iwo had shown him more support than those elected from his domain.

“Since I became Oluwo, three House of Representatives members have emerged, and the highest support I got from each was N500,000, an amount that cannot buy my slippers,” he said.

The monarch further told the aspirant that any politician seeking his support must clearly state what benefit the palace and Iwoland would derive if elected.