‘It Is Primitive, Uncivilised’, Oluwo Faults Masquerade Beatings, Oro Movement Restrictions

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has declared that God used him to bring civilisation to Yoruba culture, describing the practice of masquerades beating people and the restriction of movement during the Oro festival as primitive, unconstitutional and unacceptable.

Speaking in a video shared on his Facebook page, the monarch said no culture should force people to remain indoors or subject innocent citizens to violence in the name of tradition.

According to him, the practice of masquerades wielding canes and attacking people on the streets has no place in a civilised society.

“Are Yoruba cows? How can I be a king and people are being macheted on the streets? Are we butchers? God used me to bring civilisation to Yoruba culture,” he said.

The monarch urged adherents of the traditional religion to abandon violent practices if they want their religion and culture to gain wider acceptance.

Oluwo also criticised the restriction of movement during the Oro festival, insisting that no tradition should deny people, especially women, their constitutional rights.

“We restrict people’s movement; even President Tinubu cannot do that. It is unconstitutional. There is nowhere in the constitution that says women must not see a particular person. It is illegal and people should fight against such practices,” he said.

The traditional ruler maintained that no culture should confine people to their homes or prevent them from going about their lawful activities.

In the same video, Oluwo announced a ban on Hennessy and other alcoholic drinks in his palace, warning visitors against bringing such beverages to him.

He argued that the alcoholic drinks commonly presented to traditional rulers and elders are harmful to health and should not be regarded as part of Yoruba tradition.

“The so-called alcohol usually presented or reserved for the elders is detrimental to their health. Anyone who brings hot drinks to the king’s palace wants to eliminate the king,” he said.

The monarch added that he recently learnt some visitors had brought Hennessy to the palace, warning that anyone who does so intends to harm him.

He further claimed that alcohol was never part of the original Yoruba cultural heritage.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe for health, as excessive intake increases the risk of liver disease, kidney damage and other health complications.

NAIJAONPOINT reports that since ascending the throne in 2016, the Oluwo of Iwo has repeatedly criticised several traditional practices in Yorubaland, a stance that has sparked controversies with traditional and religious leaders. He was previously suspended by the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers over alleged misconduct involving some fellow monarchs.