A heated dispute within one of Osun State’s most prominent royal families has recently made headlines across Nigeria and the West African region. Chanel Chin, the estranged wife of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has firmly denied allegations reportedly made by her former husband that she conspired with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to assassinate or harm him during their marriage.
This controversy, which involves two influential Yoruba traditional rulers and Chin, who was married to Oba Akanbi for three years, has captivated the attention of both local observers and the wider diaspora. At issue are serious accusations shared publicly by the Oluwo, including claims that his former Olori (queen) and the Ooni plotted to not only poison him but allegedly orchestrated multiple attempts on his life. These assertions sparked widespread debate and concern about the stability and integrity of Yoruba traditional institutions.
In a detailed statement posted to her personal Instagram account on Friday, Chanel Chin vehemently countered the monarch’s story. She described the allegations as not only false but also as potentially damaging to the longstanding traditions and respect held for the Yoruba chieftaincy system. According to Chin, there is no truth to suggestions that she or the Ooni had ever engaged in such conspiracies. She asserted, “My attention has been drawn to recent allegations in the media, purportedly involving His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife. I categorically state that these claims are false, misleading, and damaging to our sacred Yoruba traditional institution.”
Delving further into her relationship history, Chin noted that her introduction to the Oluwo was not made by the Ooni but rather by another respected Lagos-based royal, whom she continues to regard with affection as her “Royal Father.” She recounted, “For the record, I was introduced to Mr. Akanbi by a respected Lagos monarch, not by the Ooni of Ife. During my time as Olori Oluwo, I regarded this Lagos Monarch as my Royal Father and still do with respect. At no time did this monarch introduce me to Mr. Akanbi for any malicious intent.”
She also took a personal turn, sharing recollections of visiting the Lagos monarch and his Olori together with Oba Akanbi and their young son, Prince Oduduwa—a memory she described as cherished and positive, countering the narrative of discord and ill-intent.
As public discourse around the saga grew, Chin addressed a broader appeal to the Nigerian public and traditional leadership. She characterized the Oluwo’s conduct as unbecoming of a father or king and revealed that since she and their son left the palace, Oba Akanbi had not maintained an active role in Prince Oduduwa’s upbringing. According to her, Oba Akanbi only reconnected with their son for the first time in over five years during a recent visit to Canada. She said, “Mr. Akanbi has been absent from Prince Oduduwa’s life for over five years. He only resurfaced in August this year in Canada, refused to sign passport papers, but dropped $500, the first support Oduduwa ever received from him since we left the palace.”
In her extended social media response—which quickly generated online debate and trended on Nigerian Twitter as well as diaspora platforms—Chin further explained her commitment to single parenting and peaceful co-parenting, noting, “Despite this, I have shouldered the full responsibility of raising my son, while always advocating for peaceful co-parenting.”
Drawing attention to the wider significance of the story, Chin called on the public to remain skeptical of any unfounded allegations against the Ooni of Ife. She appealed to bodies guiding the conduct of royal institutions to intervene, stating that personal grievances should not be allowed to tarnish revered thrones or the image of key leaders.
She continued, “I therefore plead with the public to disregard all falsehoods against the Ooni of Ife, our foremost monarch. I also urge the traditional institution to caution Mr. Akanbi from further degrading the sacred throne he once occupied. This shall be my final statement on the matter. Prince Oduduwa remains my beloved son, and I hold the Yoruba people in deep love and respect.”
Understanding Royal Disputes in the Nigerian Context
The ongoing exchange highlights deep-rooted sensitivities around the role and image of traditional rulers in Nigeria and, by extension, in West Africa. Royal families are not only cultural icons but also sources of political and communal leadership. When controversies arise—especially those as serious as allegations of plots or assassination attempts—they can quickly impact trust in the traditional system, spark online debates, and challenge generational bonds of respect for royal houses.
According to Professor Gbadegesin Ajiboye, a cultural historian based in Ife, “These disputes are not only about personal grievances but often reflect deeper struggles over influence, inheritance, and the evolving place of monarchy in 21st-century Nigerian society. We must treat all such claims with caution and due process.”
Wider Reactions: Public, Palace, and Expert Voices
In interviews conducted by local news outlets, opinions on the matter have varied widely. Some residents in Iwo and Ife have expressed disappointment at seeing revered figures drawn into public personal disputes, fearing that it may diminish the gravitas of the chieftaincy institution. Social commentator Idris Ayo-Ojo remarked, “Social media has made it easier than ever for people to air their grievances publicly, but when it involves respected royal houses, it is crucial for everyone to show restraint until facts are clear.”
Local women’s groups and child advocacy organizations have also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of separated parents maintaining a positive environment for their children. According to Lagos-based child rights lawyer Bukola Adeniran, “Regardless of a parent’s status, the best interests of the child must come first. Traditional councils often advise on family matters, but it is also a legal issue—parents have obligations by law.”
Royal Institutions: A Call for Caution and Integrity
The controversy has reinvigorated national conversations about how royal families should handle internal disputes. Some observers have called for mediation by the Council of Traditional Rulers or intervention by the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that personal issues do not spill over into wider conflicts or undermine the respect for time-honored institutions.
Notably, the Ooni of Ife, viewed by many as a spiritual and cultural leader for all Yoruba people worldwide, has yet to respond directly to the accusations. Contemporarily, monarchs such as the Ooni and the Oluwo are recognized not only for their ceremonial and social roles but also as symbols of unity. According to Chief Adeyinka Okeowo, a palace official in Oyo State, “It is vital for royal figures to resolve personal matters discreetly to protect the dignity of their offices. The institution is bigger than any individual.”
Comparative Analysis: Are Royal Controversies Uncommon?
Across Africa, royal controversy is not unfamiliar; similar instances have emerged in Ghana, Benin, and Botswana. However, the way disputes are managed varies. Nigeria’s multi-ethnic society, with hundreds of distinct traditional institutions, presents unique challenges in balancing transparency and tradition. Proper mediation and respect for due process are increasingly seen as vital for the credibility of these institutions.
The Broader Impact and What’s Next
The story of Chanel Chin and Oba Akanbi is more than a personal dispute—it is a reminder of the powerful influence and scrutiny Nigeria’s traditional rulers face. Whether in the palace or the public square, every action taken by or against these figures resonates far beyond their immediate circles, influencing perceptions at home and abroad.
As royal families, communities, and institutions across West Africa reflect on these events, many are calling for tempered discourse, respect for the rule of law, and renewed commitment to the values that underpin these age-old institutions. For now, the public awaits further developments with keen interest, mindful that every royal action sets a precedent for future generations.
What do you think about the handling of royal disputes in Nigeria and across Africa? Should traditional institutions enforce stricter codes of conduct for royal families in the public eye? Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates!
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