Get Guardian on GoogleThe Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has announced a ban on the consumption of alcohol within his palace and its surrounding premises.
The monarch made the declaration on Saturday during a meeting with palace staff held to mark his 58th birthday.
In a video shared by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi said the decision was aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the palace.
Speaking in Yoruba while addressing individuals seated in front of the palace, the king said, “This palace belongs to Olodumare, and there is a mosque over there. We want to get instant answers to our prayers. If you want to make something holy, you must start by making yourself holy first.”
Oba Akanbi stated that the ban was not intended to punish but to inspire personal transformation among those who frequent the palace.
“I am taking this decision for you to become someone I will be proud to associate with. If you want to drink alcohol, I beg of you, go outside this premises. Go behind this fence. Go there and drink it, not here.
“We are preaching holiness. Anything that has to do with alcohol should not be touched on the premises. Anything against God should leave this premises.”
