The First-Class Oba and the Marijuana Controversy
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, is once again at the centre of controversy—this time over allegations that he indulges in marijuana use. A viral video recently showed the flamboyant monarch furiously denying the claims, raining heavy curses on his accusers.
“They are lying against me. If I ever smoked marijuana, let God remove me from this throne,” the Oluwo declared. “You accusers, God will punish you!”
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The video quickly set social media abuzz, rekindling memories of an old scandal linked to his former wife. Years ago, a clip had surfaced online allegedly showing the monarch rolling a joint. At the time, palace insiders dismissed it as doctored, accusing his estranged queen of orchestrating the smear in the wake of their bitter marital fallout.
This is not the first storm around Oba Akanbi. Known for his dramatic style and disregard for convention, the Oluwo has repeatedly made headlines—from shunning the traditional Yoruba crown for a modern look, to fiery clashes with fellow monarchs. He once engaged in a public scuffle with the Oluwo of Ede, an incident that rattled Yoruba traditional institutions. In another instance, he proclaimed himself “Emir of Yorubaland,” drawing outrage from cultural custodians who accused him of desecrating heritage.
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For critics, the marijuana saga is just another episode in the monarch’s long history of theatrics. But to the Oluwo, it is a battle to protect the sanctity of his throne. Fresh from a Court of Appeal judgment affirming his legitimacy as king, he insists the latest smear is the handiwork of detractors bent on undermining his reign.
In his words, the crown is divine—and no campaign of calumny, whether from political enemies or estranged associates, can dethrone him.