Oba AbdulRosheed Adewale Akanbi, the King of Iwo Land, has expressed his dissatisfaction over the delay in selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo.

Recall that Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III, died on the 22nd of April, 2022, at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State. The late king’s demise was attributed to complications arising from prostate enlargement.

Since his passing, the people of Oyo have eagerly awaited the coronation of a new king, but it appears that the process is not nearing its conclusion anytime soon.

In the Yoruba tradition, the selection of a king is traditionally entrusted to Ifa, the deity believed to have the ability to choose the most suitable candidate for the position.

However, Oba Akanbi has expressed his belief that the government should be responsible for appointing a king, as he believes that God communicates through the government more quickly.

In a statement addressed to journalists, Oba Akanbi also raised concerns about the slow progress in Ifa’s selection of the rightful successor to the throne.

“God installs not Ifa. When a vacant stool is to be filled, contestants will patronize the government not Ifa. Those who patronize Ifa will have to wait endlessly. Why has Ifa not picked the new Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomoso? Or did Ifa travelled so we can seek his return to give those towns new kings?

“Only Princes who are far from reality or watching too many Nollywood movies will rely on Ifa to announce him. God will speak through the government. We are not far from reality referring to the government as the Ifa,” Oba Akanbi opined.