The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, on Tuesday, imposed a prohibition on offering sacrifices on public roadways in Iwo, Osun State. This angered the state’s traditionalist leadership, who urged the monarch not to violate the believers’ rights.
According to a declaration made by Oba Akanbi, offering sacrifices, particularly at intersections, might restrict water pathways and eventually result in floods.
Oba Akanbi remarked that as roads are public resources, they should be maintained via cooperative efforts and patriotic commitment. He also added that such activities, as well as Oro, which typically result in restrictions on travel, would no longer be authorized within his realm.
In part, Oluwo’s statement said, “In addition, the practice of placing sacrifices on the road most especially junctions and blocking our rivers by dumping ritual sacrifices in them which in turn causes floods, are not equally permitted in Iwo.”
“Most sacrificial offerings are placed on the road in junctions. You will see palm oil and other dirty items as offerings on the road financed by our taxpayers’ money. A road that should be maintained through collective efforts and patriotic dedication. In advanced countries, no one will urinate even beside the road. Some individuals and corporate bodies will donate a standard road and others will go there to place sacrifice.”
In response to Oluwo’s stance, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, President of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State, said Oluwo was not greater than the government or the law and cautioned the royal father from acting beyond his authority.
Atanda said, “There is nothing we can say about it (order against the placing of sacrifices on roads) than if he has the power, himself and those supporting him, will meet the government in court.”
“A dog that will go astray will not hear the hunter’s whistle. If he is more powerful than the government, it’s left for all of us to see.”
