Ifa has no role in deciding the next Alaafin, Soun — Oluwo
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has asserted that Ifa has no role to play in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomoso.
This is as Oba Akanbi reiterated that the government holds the key to filling the vacant stools thereby leaving contenders in a state of endless waiting.
Speaking on the matter, in a statement obtained by Our Correspondent on Sunday, Oba Akanbi maintained that it is only God that installs kings and not Ifa.
According to him, “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 travel so we could seek his return to give those towns new kings?”
This unexpected proclamation has raised questions among the people of Oyo and Ogbomoso, who have traditionally relied on Ifa oracle’s guidance in selecting their monarchs.
It is also observed as a surprise twist to the age-old tradition of Ifa oracle in choosing the new rulers of Oyo and Ogbomoso kingdoms.
Expressing his skepticism towards the reliance on Ifa, the Iwo monarch stated that, “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.”