The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has said traditional palaces without idols hold greater spiritual significance than mosques, churches, and shrines, describing such palaces as the true stools of God on earth.
According to a Punch Newspaper report published on July 22, 2026, the monarch made the remarks in a statement issued through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem. He argued that traditional rulers are God’s representatives on earth and that the presence of idols in royal palaces diminishes their divine authority.
Oba Akanbi called for reforms in traditional kingship, urging monarchs to abandon idol worship and return to what he described as the original essence of the institution. He said past generations erred by associating divine authority with deities and maintained that the practice should be corrected.
The Oluwo added that he was enthroned not only to rule but also to guide Yoruba monarchs on the proper conduct of kingship. He described the palace as a sacred place where rulers should receive guidance directly from Olodumare rather than treating it as a shrine.
