Oluwo of Iwo Calls for Removal of Dirty Shrines, Advocates Cleaner Cultural Practices Among Yorubas

Oluwo of Iwo Calls for Removal of Dirty Shrines, Advocates Cleaner Cultural Practices Among Yorubas
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News | Report originally from Amiloadednews.com

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has sparked widespread conversation across Yorubaland following his recent call for the dismantling of dirty traditional shrines dedicated to deities such as Sango, Ogun, Osun, and other revered ancestral figures.

In a post shared on his verified social media page on Thursday, and monitored by Akahi News, the outspoken monarch emphasised that maintaining filthy and disorganised shrines does not reflect the true essence of Yoruba culture or respect for ancestors. He insisted that the time has come for the Yoruba people to modernise their methods of ancestral reverence, replacing unhygienic shrines with cleaner and more dignified spaces that embody cultural purity and beauty.

“Cleanliness is Godliness, Even in Tradition,” Says Oluwo

Oba Akanbi, known for his progressive stance on traditional reform and cultural renaissance, stated that genuine honour for the ancestors should be expressed in an environment that demonstrates respect, order, and divine cleanliness.

According to Akahi News reports quoting the monarch’s post, he said:

“We can respect our ancestors without keeping dirty shrines filled with blood, cobwebs, and filth. Such things do not represent the glory or dignity of Yoruba heritage. Let us honour our forefathers with beauty, decency, and organisation.”

He further explained that traditional worship does not have to be shrouded in practices that portray the culture in a negative light. Instead, the Yoruba race should promote sacred spaces that inspire admiration, cultural pride, and spiritual discipline.

“We must present our heritage to the world with dignity. Our traditions are rich and noble — let us not reduce them to objects of mockery because of poor representation,” the Oluwo added, in comments monitored by Akahi News from Amiloadednews.com.

Redefining Yoruba Heritage in a Modern Context

The Oluwo’s message, Akahi News gathered, aims to strike a balance between cultural preservation and modern advancement. He argued that honouring the ancestors does not necessarily require adherence to outdated or unhygienic rituals, but rather a conscious effort to reflect their values through orderliness and positive cultural symbols.

Observers told Akahi News that Oba Akanbi’s statement aligns with his long-standing campaign to modernise Yoruba traditional institutions and eliminate practices that he considers harmful, regressive, or inconsistent with the dignity of the race.

Over the years, the Oluwo of Iwo has become known for his reformist approach to kingship — blending royal tradition with modern awareness and global outlook. His latest remarks, however, have reignited the debate on how far modernization should go in redefining indigenous spirituality in Nigeria.

Reactions from Traditionalists and Cultural Advocates

While many Yoruba youth and cultural progressives have hailed the monarch’s stance as visionary, Akahi News learnt that some traditionalists and custodians of ancestral shrines view the comments as controversial and disrespectful to ancient practices that define Yoruba spirituality.

According to reactions gathered by Akahi News from online platforms, a section of Yoruba elders argued that shrines are sacred places that derive their spiritual authenticity from their traditional forms and natural elements — including blood sacrifices and earthen symbols. They contended that modernising these practices might dilute their spiritual potency.

However, supporters of the Oluwo countered that cleanliness, order, and aesthetic refinement do not negate spirituality but rather elevate it. They emphasised that promoting neat and well-maintained cultural symbols can enhance public respect for traditional worship and attract younger generations to embrace their heritage without fear or stigma.

“Yoruba Tradition Is About Honour, Not Horror”

In what has now become one of his most quoted statements, the Oluwo reminded Yoruba descendants that “tradition is not about horror, it is about honour.” He noted that the greatness of the Yoruba people lies in their ability to adapt and refine their culture to meet contemporary realities without losing its soul.

Akahi News recalls that Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has, in previous addresses, called for unity among Yoruba monarchs and advocated the use of modern education, technology, and cultural diplomacy to project the Yoruba identity globally.

He believes that the Yoruba race can command more respect on the international stage if its cultural practices are presented in a clean, organised, and aesthetically appealing manner.

Preserving Yoruba Dignity Through Modern Representation

The monarch concluded by urging all Yoruba sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to take responsibility for preserving the dignity of their heritage. He stressed that while reverence for the ancestors must continue, it should be done in ways that align with the principles of cleanliness, beauty, and cultural pride.

“Let our shrines, symbols, and festivals speak of elegance, not filth. Our ancestors deserve better,” he said.

Akahi News gathered that this message has resonated with many young Yorubas who view the monarch as a modern voice for cultural renaissance. His leadership style, which often blends traditional wisdom with modern thinking, continues to attract both admiration and criticism across Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

As Yoruba communities continue to navigate the tension between preservation and progress, the Oluwo’s call may serve as a defining reminder that culture, like any living system, must evolve to remain relevant and respected.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org