Oluwo: Palaces Free Of Idolatry Represent God’s Throne On Earth

The Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has said that traditional rulers are the physical representatives of God on earth, insisting that palaces free from idolatry are sacred institutions that should serve as symbols of divine authority.

The monarch stated that a palace dedicated solely to the worship of God holds a unique spiritual position and should not be turned into a shrine for the worship of deities.

Oba Akanbi made the remarks in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

He criticised the practice of keeping idols in royal palaces, describing it as inconsistent with the true essence of kingship, and called on traditional rulers to embrace what he described as a holistic and divinely guided approach to leadership.

According to the monarch, there is a need to restore the dignity and spiritual significance of traditional institutions by correcting what he termed the mistakes of past generations.

“I was enthroned to teach Yoruba kings how the royal stool should be conducted. This revelation did not come during the time of our forefathers. Yoruba palaces without idols are greater than mosques, churches and shrines because a palace is not a shrine where deities are kept,” he said.

Oba Akanbi maintained that the palace is the highest traditional institution in any community, noting that while a town may have several churches, mosques and shrines, there can only be one palace.

“The palace is where people should seek divine guidance and commandment. It is the throne of God on earth. Every king must choose between serving God and promoting the worship of deities. Idols belong in shrines, not in palaces,” he said.

The traditional ruler further asserted that kings are custodians and guardians of God’s throne on earth and should always acknowledge God as the ultimate King.

“When people bow before a king, the glory belongs to God because no earthly king is supreme. Kings are only custodians of the throne of Olodumare. Therefore, no palace should be transformed into a shrine where deities are kept,” he stated.

The Oluwo also urged traditional rulers to preserve cultural artefacts by relocating deities and idols to shrines or museums rather than keeping them within palace premises.

“Deities and idols are part of our history, and I am not asking anyone to destroy them. They can be preserved in shrines or museums as historical objects. It is a desecration of the crown for a king to harbour idols in the palace,” he added.