The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has faced criticism after a video surfaced showing him praying with his head uncovered during a trip to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The Oba was seeking peace of mind, long life, and mercy for himself.

The video sparked a mixed reaction from social media users, with some expressing shock and disappointment that the traditional Yoruba king had deviated from cultural norms. According to Yoruba tradition, it is customary for kings to cover their heads in public.

One of his followers, fabricsbyarinola, commented, “I thought a king must not open their head in public?” Others echoed this sentiment, with Acube321 writing, “Kabiesi oooo, sir you are not supposed to open your head. You can’t be the custodian of Yoruba culture and still worship in the Arab way. This is intriguing. You are demeaning our culture, sir. This is too bad sir.”

However, not everyone was critical of the Oluwo’s actions. Some users saw nothing wrong with his decision to uncover his head during prayer.

Nadee_a_kitchen_treat wrote, “See my hometown king. Everybody is equal in the presence of Almighty Allah. Islam is beautiful. May Almighty Allah accept your worship.” Fasasiwakeel added, “I am moved emotionally by the way he was praising the King of Kings. May the Almighty Allah answer your prayers.”

The Oluwo also faced criticism for a specific prayer he made during his visit to Makkah. In another video, he prayed that just as millions of Muslims around the world travel to Makkah for pilgrimage, people should not rest until they visit Iwo.

Some critics asked what structures or attractions were in place in Iwo that would make it an appealing destination for tourists from around the world.