Iwo ruling houses seek removal of Oluwo over alleged exhumation of former kings

Three ruling houses in Iwo, Osun State—the Ogunmakinde Ande, Adegunodo, and Alausa houses—have filed a lawsuit in the Osun State High Court seeking the removal of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi.

The legal challenge, filed as Suit No. HoS/56/2026, centers on allegations that Oba Akanbi unilaterally authorized the exhumation of the remains of former monarchs from a traditional burial site known as Ileta within the palace premises. The claimants argue that this action violates Iwo customs and traditions and is incompatible with the dignity of the Oluwo stool.

The plaintiffs are requesting that the court declare the Oluwo stool vacant and compel Oba Akanbi to vacate the throne so that a new selection process can begin. Oba Akanbi has rejected the allegations through a media aide, maintaining that he cannot be removed from the throne.