The Oluwo of Iwo Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has publicly criticized the practice of deity worship among the Yoruba people, questioning why people continue to worship deities like Sango and Ogun when they should be worshipping the one God.
Oba Akanbi, who has been vocal about his opposition to idolatry, made these remarks while speaking in Mina, Mecca.
"Deity worshipping is a universal phenomenon that reflects ignorance of the old dark age. I am happy to be one of the believers in one God who created heaven and the earth," said Oba Akanbi.
He emphasized the importance of worshipping God and respecting His blessings on resources, suggesting that this is the key to reaping the maximum benefits of these resources.
Oba Akanbi also questioned the logic of worshipping deities from other regions, such as Ogun from Ekiti and Sango from Oyo, stating that it makes more sense to worship God directly.
He urged Nigerians to resist the temptation of idol worship and instead embrace the teachings of Islam, which advocate for the oneness of Allah.
The monarch believes that by turning away from idol worship, many of Nigeria's problems could be solved, and the nation would experience peace and prosperity.
He highlighted the importance of wisdom in recognizing and worshipping one God, suggesting that this is the highest form of wisdom.
Oba Akanbi's comments have sparked a debate among the Yoruba people and Nigerians at large, with some supporting his views and others criticizing him for attempting to impose his beliefs on others.
