The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has spoken concerning monarchs in Yoruba Land being members of secret cults.
In a statement issued through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo of Iwo urged the kings to renounce their membership in such groups because despite promises of financial and spiritual gains, they only end up being enslaved.
The Oluwo of Iwo also called on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi , and Awujale of Ijebuland , Oba Sikiru Adetona, to help with a movement against secret societies in Yoruba land.
He said, “Secret societies have stolen kings ’ rights. The only way is a revolution to be led by a valiant and a leading Yoruba monarch . I see the Alaafin and Awujale having that courage . Baba Alaafin can lead this campaign with Awujale , as monarchs with a lot of history. I want to task the Alaafin to lead the revolution at liberating monarchs from the growing decimation of their influence occasioned by membership of secret societies . If Baba Alaafin refuses , I will start the revolution . I have obas willing to follow. If the Alaafin, Awujale and Akiolu are ready , I pledge my unalloyed support at all costs. The institution is one and must be defended at this time .
“The best way to achieve this is by launching the Central Council of Yoruba Obas ( Ijo Oba ) . The body will be a supreme council for the discussion of Yoruba affairs and an apex decision organ in the land . It will comprise only obas and must mandate those willing to join to renounce their membership of any secret societies . I have trust in the capacity of the Alaafin, Awujale and Akiolu to live up to expectations and lead the revolutionary liberation from the subjects turning themselves to lords . ”
He added, “You can be member of any secret cult before becoming a king , but must renounce your membership the day you are proclaimed . Secret cults influence your influence , even to the distaste of your subjects and domain . They control you with false claims and alarm .
“Most of these secret groups have leaders who are ordinary subjects of kings , but subject kings under them to their dictates and directives even in conduct of his community affairs . Many of our subjects have infiltrated cult groups to pulverise the image of kings . ”
