Oluwo of Iwo enters Igbo/Yoruba argument debunking Ohaneze myth that Oduduwa came from Igboland

OLUWO of Iwoland Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has debunked a version of history presented by Ohaneze Ndigbo stating that Oduduwa was the last born of an Igbo prince who migrated to Yorubaland and created a dynasty at Ile Ife.

Over the weekend, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi started the debate by saying that Igbos and Yorubas come from the same family as several Yoruba sub-groups belong to the Aku Aaro Oojiire or Omoluwabi ethnic clan which has its roots in Igboland. Stating that the two ethnic groups are members of the same inseparable family, Oba Ogunwusi stated that there were different clans of Igbos that left Ife to establish their kingdoms in Igboland.

In response to the Ooni's remarks, Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella association of all Igbo bodies, stated that Oduduwa was an Igbo prince, who migrated to Ile-Ife, where he was seen as a god because he had magical powers. According to Ohaneze Ndigbo, Yoruba's subsequently learnt and spoke Igbo language, which is the reason for the similarity between Igbo and Yoruba.

Oba Akanbi, has however, countered this version of events, insisting that the alleged claim by Ohaneze Ndigbo was not correct and therefore, cannot be true. He described the claim as unfounded, false and misleading to the stalwarts of history.

In addition, Oba Akanbi advised the Igbo people to further their research on the adventure of their own Oduduwa, instead of demeaning the status of the founder of the Yoruba race. Ohaneze Ndigbo had claimed that Odudunwa, which means last born in Igbo, migrated to Ile Ife and dazzled the people with his power, which led to him becoming a monarch.

Oba Akanbi said: “Our Yoruba nation was founded by Oduduwa, who brought the first civilisation, which is the crown. Oduduwa demonstrated an unequalled, peculiar, unparalleled, unmatched, quintessential and different leadership.

“He served his people and became a rallying point for his services to humanity. He gave us the best tradition, so respectful and obedient and out rich, very beautiful and unblemished Yoruba culture emanated from Oduduwa.”