Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi is a Nigerian traditional ruler, businessman, and philanthropist who serves as the 16th Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun State, Nigeria. Since ascending the throne in 2015 and being crowned in January 2016, he has become one of the most prominent and outspoken traditional rulers in Nigeria.
OBA ABDULRASHEED AKANBI PROFILE
| Name | Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi |
| Real Name | Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi |
| Date Of Birth | 21 June 1967 |
| State Of Origin | Osun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Traditional Ruler and Businessman |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
OBA ABDULRASHEED AKANBI BIOGRAPHY
Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi was born on June 21, 1967, in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. He hails from the Gbaase Ruling House, one of the royal families entitled to produce the Oluwo of Iwo. He is the son of Prince Kola Akanbi and grew up in both Iwo and Ibadan.
Before becoming king, Akanbi spent several years abroad, particularly in Canada, where he developed extensive business and professional experience.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Oba Akanbi began his education at Omolewa Nursery and Primary School, Oritamefa, Ibadan, between 1972 and 1978. He attended Iwo Grammar School and later Oba Akinyele Memorial High School in Ibadan for his secondary education. He subsequently earned a National Diploma in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in 1987.
CAREER
Prior to ascending the throne, Akanbi was involved in various business ventures and humanitarian activities. He served as the founder and director of People Against Loneliness Inc. and was involved in private-sector enterprises, including quarry and investment businesses. He also spent a significant part of his career in Canada, where he built professional networks and gained international business experience.
Following the death of the previous Oluwo, Oba Asiru Olatubosun Tadese, the royal selection process began to choose a successor. In November 2015, Abdulrasheed Akanbi was approved as the new Oluwo of Iwo by the Osun State Government. He was formally crowned as the 16th Oluwo of Iwoland on January 16, 2016.
Since becoming monarch, he has advocated for cultural preservation, youth empowerment, economic development, and reforms within traditional institutions.
CONTROVERSIES
He has been involved in several public disagreements with other traditional rulers over issues relating to authority, customs, and traditional hierarchy. One of the most publicized disputes involved disagreements surrounding traditional jurisdiction and royal authority in Yorubaland.
The monarch has repeatedly criticized certain traditional practices and secret societies, arguing for reforms that align with modern values and religious beliefs. These views have generated both praise and criticism among traditionalists.
In 2018, he attracted international attention after publicly apologizing for the role some traditional institutions played in the transatlantic slave trade, a statement that sparked widespread debate across Nigeria and beyond.
OBA ABDULRASHEED AKANBI SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE
https://www.instagram.com/emperortelu1/?hl=en
PERSONAL LIFE
Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi is a Muslim. He was previously married to Jamaican-born Chanel Chin, and the marriage produced a son before ending in divorce. In 2022, he married Princess Firdaus, who became Queen Firdaus of Iwoland. The couple has a daughter.
OBA ABDULRASHEED AKANBI NET WORTH
Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed.