Oluwo Of Iwo Demands N20 Million From Governor Oyetola To Marry Kano Princess

Rasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, has demanded N20 million from Governor Gboyega Oyetola as financial assistance for his upcoming marriage to a Kano princess.

Mr Akanbi made his plea in a letter that spread on social media overnight and was spotted by Peoples Gazette. The document’s original source was unknown to the Gazette.

“I desire to remind your Excellency that such a royal wedding within two prominent traditional institutions in Nigeria will entail tremendous expenses, which will necessitate financial and logistical support from the state government,” the traditional ruler remarked. “The event is expected to cost more than N20,000,000.00.”

“His Excellency, Oba Akanbi entrusts this request to you for essential evaluation and approval,” the letter continued.

Mr Akanbi made this request after hosting Governor Oyetola on Tuesday and assuring him the Iwo people’s support in his bid for a second term. It was unclear whether the governor had agreed to release the cash, and his media aide did not respond to requests for comment almost away.

Mr. Akanbi is also the head of the Iwo traditional council and the vice chairman of the state’s council of traditional rulers. He divorced his wife Chanel Chin in 2019 after a public feud that included Mr Akanbi’s accusations of substance usage. He disputed the accusations, claiming the woman was a promiscuous woman.

Mr Akanbi’s proposal shows how traditional institutions have been draining resources from public coffers to finance mostly personal interests. In recent years, calls have become louder for the abolishment of traditional bodies, particularly less powerful thrones, in order to free up resources for disadvantaged citizens in need of better health and education.