The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has banned Hennessy and other alcoholic drinks from his palace, saying they are harmful to health while also condemning violent traditional practices and movement restrictions during Oro festivals
‘Don’t Bring Hennessy Here’ — Oluwo of Iwo Declares Alcohol-Free Palace, Condemns Oro Restrictions
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has prohibited Hennessy and other alcoholic beverages from being brought into his palace, warning that such drinks are harmful to health and should no longer be presented to him or other elders.
The monarch announced the directive in a video shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, declaring that anyone who arrives at the palace with alcoholic drinks intends to harm the king.
According to the traditional ruler, gin, schnapps and other imported spirits commonly reserved for elders are dangerous to human health and have no place in his palace.
“The so-called alcohol usually presented or reserved for the elders is detrimental to their health – it leads to death,” he said.
“Anyone who brings hot drinks to the king’s palace wants to eliminate the king. Gin, schnapps reserved for the elderly should not be brought to my palace because what they call alcohol for the elderly is made by the Western people to kill and destroy internal organs. It will render the kidneys useless.”
The monarch disclosed that he recently learnt some visitors had brought Hennessy to the palace, describing the gesture as unacceptable.
“I heard you brought Hennessy; don’t bring it here o; you want to kill me. Anyone who brings Hennessy or other dangerous alcoholic drinks has the intention to kill me. So, I should drink an entire bottle; what will I use to pray?” he asked.
Oba Akanbi further argued that alcohol consumption was never part of the traditions inherited from Yoruba ancestors.
His remarks align with longstanding public health warnings on alcohol consumption. Health experts have consistently cautioned that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of liver disease, kidney damage and several other health complications. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also maintains that “no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe for health.”
Beyond alcohol, the Oluwo criticised practices associated with some traditional festivals, particularly the use of masquerades to flog members of the public. He described such acts as violence that should have no place in modern society.
“Are Yoruba cows? How can I be a king and people are being macheted in the streets? Are we butchers?” he asked.
He urged adherents of traditional religion to abandon violent customs if they hope to attract wider acceptance and preserve their cultural heritage.
The monarch also condemned the restriction of movement during the Oro festival, insisting that preventing residents, especially women, from moving freely is unconstitutional.
“We restrict people’s movement; even the president cannot do that. It is unconstitutional. It is illegal,” he said.
He questioned why women should be barred from walking in public during certain traditional festivals, describing the practice as unjustifiable.
Since ascending the throne in 2016, Oba Akanbi has remained one of Nigeria’s most outspoken traditional rulers, repeatedly challenging customs and practices he considers outdated or harmful. His views have often sparked controversy within traditional institutions.
The Oluwo has also had public disagreements with religious and traditional leaders over the years. In one of the most notable incidents, he was suspended by the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers over allegations of misconduct towards some fellow monarchs. Reacting to the decision at the time, the monarch dismissed the suspension, describing it as “a mere audio pronouncement.”
