The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has set the record straight regarding the historical identity of Luwo Gbagida, the only female monarch in Ile-Ife. Contrary to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which referred to her as an Ooni, the Oluwo insists that Luwo Gbagida was the 16th Alaafin of Ile-Ife, not an Ooni.

BBC Accused of Misrepresenting Yoruba History

Expressing his discontent, Oba Akanbi criticized the BBC for misrepresenting Yoruba history and incorrectly calling her Luwo Gbagidi instead of Luwo Gbagida. He emphasized the need for accuracy, especially when documenting the heritage of the Yoruba people.

“It is crucial to address the BBC’s misinformation before it becomes widely accepted as fact,” he stated.

Luwo Gbagida Was an Alaafin, Not an Ooni

Oba Akanbi clarified that Luwo Gbagida never held the title of Ooni but was referred to as Alaafin, a title that Oduduwa himself used after conquering Ife. The Ooni title, he explained, was introduced later by Obamakin Osangangan, the second ruler of Ife.

Breaking Tradition: The First And Only Female Alaafin Of Oyo

He further revealed that a freed slave, Samuel Johnson, who had Oyo ancestry, popularized the use of “Ooni” for all Ife kings to avoid conflicting with the Alaafin of Oyo.

Correcting More Historical Inaccuracies

The Oluwo also corrected another common misconception, stating that Adekola Telu was not the first Oluwo of Iwo. Instead, the first Oluwo was Olumade Paarin, who was instructed by Luwo Gbagida not to wear the crown unless he found a place where parrots were hatching.

The Legacy of Luwo Gbagida

“She was our mother,” Oba Akanbi affirmed, adding that the name “Luwo” was inspired by Iwo, a place where her lineage once lived before settling in Ile-Ife.

Preserving Yoruba History

The Oluwo of Iwo’s statement reinforces the importance of accurate historical documentation and ensures that Luwo Gbagida’s legacy as the 16th Alaafin of Ile-Ife remains correctly recorded.