Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, has raised alarm over recent attacks on traditional rulers around the country, particularly in the south-west area.
Addressing journalists in his palace, Oluwo stated that traditional rulers in the country had become targets for kidnapping.
However, the monarch said that he cannot be abducted or slain by bandits or other criminal elements.
He said that ancient monarchs’ prolonged dependence on deities would bring shame to the thrones rather than ensure their protection.
“I am telling you right here that no one would dare attempt to kidnap or mark me for assassination,” he said.
“I am covered by God’s protection, not by any deity or gods. I am using this opportunity to call on my colleague monarchs to stop putting their hopes on deities and return everything to the Almighty God whom they represent.”
Oba Akanbi made this statement as Nigerians are concerned about the three monarchs who were killed by bandits in Ekiti and Kwara states in recent weeks.
Recall that two Yoruba monarchs were recently kidnapped and slain in Ekiti.
They were Oba David Ogunsakin, Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, and Oba Olatunde Olusola, Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti.
A few days later, another Kwara monarch, Peter Aremu-Cole, Onikoro of Koro-Ekiti in the Ekiti LGA of Kwara state, was assassinated in his palace.
His wife and thirteen others who were kidnapped have subsequently been released.
