Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi Biography: Oluwo of Iwo Net Worth, Age, Wife, Children, Wiki

Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi biography reveals the life of Oluwo of Iwo; Nigeria’s most controversial monarch. Discover his net worth, age, wives, children, education, career, and the controversies surrounding the 16th Oluwo of Iwo.

Who is Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi?

Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, also known as Telu I or Emperor Telu, is the 16th Oluwo of Iwo, a prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, Nigeria. Born on June 21, 1967, he ascended the throne on November 9, 2015, at the age of 48, becoming one of the most talked-about and controversial monarchs in contemporary Nigerian history.

The traditional ruler hails from the Gbaase Ruling House in Iwo Kingdom and has become known for his unconventional approach to traditional leadership, often blending modern thinking with ancient customs. Before becoming king, he spent significant time in Canada, where he worked as a contractor and engaged in various business ventures.

Since his installation in 2016, Oba Akanbi has been one of the most controversial monarchs in Nigeria, making headlines for both positive and negative reasons in almost equal measure. His reign has been characterized by bold declarations, philanthropic initiatives, and numerous conflicts with fellow traditional rulers and his own family members.

Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and modern approach to traditional rulership, the Oluwo has stirred debates about the role of monarchy in contemporary Nigerian society. His preference for referring to himself as an “Emperor” and his rejection of traditional idol worship have set him apart from other Yoruba traditional rulers, making him a polarizing figure in Nigerian traditional institutions.

Quick Facts About Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi

Full Name	Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi
Traditional Title	Oluwo of Iwo (16th)
Other Names	Emperor Telu I, Telu 1, Ilufemiloye
Date of Birth	June 21, 1967
Age	58 years old (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Osun State
Royal House	Gbaase Ruling House, Molasan Compound
Coronation Date	November 9, 2015
Religion	Islam
Marital Status	Married
Current Wife	Princess Firdaus
Ex-Wife	Chanel Chin (Jamaican/Canadian)
Children	Prince Oduduwa (son with Chanel Chin), others
Occupation	Traditional Ruler, Businessman, Philanthropist
Previous Residence	Canada (before ascension)
Known For	Controversies, philanthropy, modern monarchy approach

Early Life and Family Background

Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi was born on June 21, 1967, to the family of Prince Kola Akanbi of Gbaase Ruling House in Iwo Kingdom, Osun State. Growing up in the ancient town of Iwo, a significant Yoruba settlement with deep historical and cultural roots, young Abdulrasheed was exposed to traditional values and customs from an early age.

His father, the late Prince Kola Akanbi, belonged to the Molasan Compound within the Gbaase Ruling House, one of the royal families entitled to produce the Oluwo of Iwo. This royal lineage positioned him as a potential candidate for the throne, though his path to becoming king would take several decades and involve significant time abroad.

The Iwo Kingdom, where he was born, has a rich history dating back centuries as an important center of commerce and Islamic learning in Yorubaland. Growing up in this environment, Akanbi developed an appreciation for both traditional Yoruba culture and Islamic teachings, which would later influence his approach to leadership as a traditional ruler.

His childhood was marked by exposure to the complexities of Nigerian society during a period of military rule and economic challenges in the 1970s and 1980s. These formative experiences would shape his worldview and later inform his unconventional approach to traditional rulership, combining respect for tradition with a desire for modernization and development.

Educational Background and Academic Qualifications

Primary and Secondary Education

Oba Akanbi received his elementary education at Omolewa Nursery and Primary School in Oritamefa, Ibadan, from 1972 to 1978. His primary education in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, exposed him to a more cosmopolitan environment beyond his hometown of Iwo.

In 1978, he began his secondary education at Iwo Grammar School in Araromi, Iwo, before later transferring to Oba Akinyele Memorial High School in Idi-Ape, Ibadan. This movement between schools in both Iwo and Ibadan demonstrates the family’s commitment to providing him with quality education while maintaining connections to both his hometown and the broader Yoruba cultural center.

Tertiary Education

He obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic Ibadan in 1987. This educational background in mass communication would later prove valuable in his ability to navigate media attention and public relations as a traditional ruler, particularly given his controversial public statements and social media presence.

International Certifications

Between 2001 and 2005, he obtained a Certificate in Cybis & Axis System from Convergys Institute in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. This technical certification represented his efforts to gain marketable skills in the Canadian job market.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario, from 2005 to 2009. This degree equipped him with business management knowledge that would later inform his approach to managing the affairs of Iwo Kingdom.

He also obtained a Seismic Certificate in Operations, Oil & Gas Processing Facilities in 2005, demonstrating his diverse educational pursuits and interest in the energy sector, which is significant in the Canadian economy.

Life in Canada: Career Before Becoming King

Before ascending to the throne of Iwo, Oba Akanbi spent considerable time in Canada, where he built a career and life far removed from traditional Nigerian monarchy. His time in Canada, spanning several years, was marked by various business ventures and community involvement that would later inform his approach to development-focused leadership.

Business Ventures and Professional Career

In Canada, Oba Akanbi was the Director and Founder of People Against Loneliness Inc., an organization focused on providing support to individuals struggling with isolation. This humanitarian work demonstrated his early interest in social welfare and community development, themes that would later characterize his reign as Oluwo.

He also served as the West African Coordinator of Karcher Group FutureTech, a company committed to supplying future technology gadgets to global peace-keeping forces. This role connected him to international business networks and exposed him to technological innovations that could be applied to development challenges.

Additionally, he was the managing director of Morganz Gamo Quarry in Ibadan, maintaining business connections with Nigeria even while based in Canada. This construction materials business provided him with income and kept him connected to the Nigerian economy.

Humanitarian Work and Global Relief Efforts

Before becoming the traditional ruler of Iwo Land, he traveled around the world on several occasions to provide help and succor to victims of disasters and wars across the globe. His relief work took him to various conflict zones and disaster areas, giving him firsthand experience with human suffering and the importance of humanitarian intervention.

He was known to provide relief materials to refugees around the world, establishing a reputation as someone committed to alleviating human suffering regardless of geography or ethnic boundaries. This global humanitarian perspective would later influence his approach to leadership in Iwo.

Military Experience

One of the most surprising revelations about his past is that he fought in the Liberian civil war for three years. This military experience in one of West Africa’s most brutal conflicts gave him exposure to warfare, survival under extreme conditions, and the devastating effects of political instability. While the exact nature and circumstances of his involvement remain somewhat unclear, this experience undoubtedly shaped his worldview and leadership philosophy.

The Call to Kingship

While in Canada, he claimed to have heard a voice from heaven instructing him to “pack your things, I am going to make you a king” just three days before his predecessor passed on. He was attending a picnic in Toronto when he received this spiritual message, which he interpreted as a divine calling to return to Nigeria and assume the throne of his ancestors.

This spiritual calling, whether taken literally or metaphorically, marked a dramatic turning point in his life. He left behind his Canadian life, businesses, and comfort to return to Nigeria and compete for the traditional throne of Oluwo of Iwo, a decision that would forever change both his life and the kingdom he would come to rule.

Ascension to the Throne: Becoming the 16th Oluwo of Iwo

Selection and Installation Process

Then 48-year-old Prince Akanbi, a contractor based in Canada from Gbaase Ruling House, was announced as the 16th Oluwo and successor to Oba Ashiru Tadese, whose death was made public on February 18, 2012. The selection process took place over several years, as is common with traditional throne succession in Nigeria, involving consultations with kingmakers, family deliberations, and government approval.

In the statement conveying his appointment signed by then Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, incidentally an indigene of Iwo, he was described as a childhood friend of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was appointed just a few weeks earlier. This early mention of their friendship is ironic given the bitter rivalry that would later develop between the two monarchs.

The announcement on November 9, 2015, was initially greeted with excitement and high expectations. As someone who had lived abroad and was exposed to international best practices, many hoped he would bring fresh perspectives and development-focused leadership to the ancient throne. However, this initial optimism would soon give way to controversy and conflict.

Early Controversial Decisions

The ecstasy that greeted Akanbi’s announcement as Oluwo soon gave way to disbelief and fear, as the newly-appointed Oba started making headlines for controversial reasons. Almost immediately after his coronation, he began making decisions that shocked traditional Yoruba society and challenged conventional expectations of how a monarch should behave.

His first major decision as the Oluwo of Iwo was to combat idolatry in kingship, declaring that idol and deity worshipping should not be in the palace. He argued that if anybody has idols or deities, they should keep them in museums where priceless things are kept. This stance, while consistent with Islamic teachings, was controversial in a traditional Yoruba context where sacred objects and deities are often integral to royal rituals.

Declaration as Emperor

Early in 2016, Oba Akanbi declared himself an emperor and his town an empire, subsequently placing a number plate with the large inscription ‘EMPEROR’ on some of his vehicles. This self-declaration caused significant controversy within Yoruba traditional leadership circles, as such titles are not part of traditional Yoruba monarchy structures.

Oba Akanbi remained unfazed by criticism that followed the declaration, telling whoever cared to listen that declaring Iwo an “Empire” and himself an “EMPEROR” was just a strategy to package and rebrand the ancient town with a view to placing it in global reckoning. He argued that modern branding and packaging were necessary to reflect the enthronement of a new king with taste and touch with modern realities.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Year	Event/Achievement	Significance
1967	Born in Iwo, Osun State	Beginning of life journey
1987	Obtained ND in Mass Communication	Foundation for media skills
2001-2005	Studied and worked in Canada	International exposure and business development
2005	Obtained Seismic Certificate	Specialized technical training
2005-2009	Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration	Higher education completed
2010s	Founded People Against Loneliness Inc.	Humanitarian work established
2012	Death of predecessor Oba Ashiru Tadese	Throne vacancy created
November 9, 2015	Announced as 16th Oluwo of Iwo	Ascension to traditional throne
2016	Declared himself Emperor	Major controversy initiated
2016	Married Chanel Chin	First controversial marriage
2016	Led Eid prayer in Iwo	Religious controversy
2016	Birth of son Oduduwa	First documented child
2017	Fixed 44km road to Osogbo	Infrastructure development
2019	Divorced Chanel Chin	End of first high-profile marriage
2020	Physically attacked fellow monarch	Led to suspension
2020	Six-month suspension from Traditional Council	Disciplinary action
2022	Married Princess Firdaus	Second marriage
2025	Accused Ooni of Ife of conspiracy	Latest controversy

Personal Life: Marriages, Wives, and Children

First Marriage: Chanel Chin

Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi is a devout Muslim who married Princess Firdaus after divorcing his first wife Chanel Chin, with whom he had a son. His marriage to Chanel Chin, a Canadian woman with Jamaican heritage, was highly publicized and controversial from the start.

The marriage between the royal father and the Jamaican produced a son named Oduduwa. The choice to name their son after the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba people reflects the monarch’s desire to connect his foreign-born son to Yoruba heritage.

In December 2016, shortly after the birth of his son, the Oluwo shared that his Canadian/Jamaican wife and baby were in Canada, and he described her as “the most Beautiful and gorgeous looking Queen ever, The only Queen that wears a crown in Africa after Olokun the Great Queen”. These early declarations of love and pride contrast sharply with the acrimonious divorce that would follow.

The marriage ended in December 2019 after irreconcilable differences. The palace issued a statement formally announcing that Ms. Chanel Chin was an ex-queen and requesting that the public avoid according her respect attached to the sacred stool of Oluwo.

Recent Allegations Against Ex-Wife

In October 2025, the Oluwo sparked fresh controversy after accusing his ex-wife of conspiring with the Ooni of Ife to assassinate him, claiming she was introduced to him from Canada as part of a setup. He alleged that she poisoned him twice and made several assassination attempts while secretly working with rival traditional rulers.

The monarch also expressed doubts over the paternity of the child he had with the woman, a shocking allegation that has drawn widespread criticism and denials from his ex-wife.

Chanel Chin responded to these allegations, stating that she was introduced to the Oluwo by a respected Lagos monarch, not by the Ooni of Ife, and that the Oluwo had been absent from Prince Oduduwa’s life for over five years. She revealed that he only resurfaced in August 2025 in Canada, refused to sign passport papers, but dropped $500, the first support their son ever received from him since they left the palace.

Second Marriage: Princess Firdaus

In October 2022, the Oluwo celebrated his wife, Queen Firdaus, on her birthday, describing the Kano State-born princess as a “Real Queen”. This second marriage appears to be more stable and aligned with his cultural and religious values, as Princess Firdaus comes from a prominent Northern Nigerian Muslim family.

He wrote that since she came into his life, she made kingship like a “walk in the park” for him through the grace of Olodumare, describing their partnership as having the strongest bond. This marriage has been less publicized than his first, with fewer controversies surrounding it.

Children

Beyond Prince Oduduwa, his son with Chanel Chin, details about other children are not extensively documented in public records. The Oluwo maintains relative privacy regarding other aspects of his family life, particularly concerning any children from his second marriage or other relationships.

Net Worth, Assets, and Lifestyle

Estimated Net Worth

While the exact net worth of the Oluwo of Iwo is not publicly known, he is known to spend significant amounts of money on luxury items and has a love for expensive cars, suggesting he is worth millions of dollars. His wealth appears to come from multiple sources, including his businesses in Nigeria and Canada, investments, and possibly income from his royal position.

Luxury Car Collection

The Oluwo of Iwoland’s official cars include models from luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Innoson, Lamborghini, Lexus, and Mercedes. His garage represents one of the most impressive collections among Nigerian traditional rulers.

In 2017, the Oluwo shared pictures of himself posing with his Italian machine, a Lamborghini Murcielago sports car. The Murcielago, manufactured by Lamborghini between 2001 and 2009, features the brand’s signature vertical doors and is valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

His collection also includes a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, a Lexus LX 460, and Innoson G80 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) with customized number plates. These SUVs are often used for official duties and moving around the kingdom.

The Oluwo also boasts a black open-roof Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan, as well as a Rolls-Royce Phantom 7 in his fleet, with the British-made luxury sedan being the most expensive car in his collection. The Rolls-Royce Phantom represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury and can cost several hundred thousand dollars.

Properties and Investments

Beyond his cars, the Oluwo is believed to own properties in both Nigeria and Canada, though specific details are not publicly disclosed. His business interests, including the quarry business in Ibadan and other ventures, contribute to his overall wealth and financial stability.

Developmental Projects and Philanthropic Works

Infrastructure Development

Before becoming Oba, it took three hours to get to Osogbo from Iwo because of the bad road condition. As soon as he became the Oba, he started fixing the 44km road, working from 8am to 6pm to ensure the road was fixed. This road had been abandoned for 13 years before his intervention, and his hands-on approach to fixing it surprised many skeptics who thought it was media hype.

Healthcare Contributions

The Oluwo has donated medical equipment worth over N1 billion to hospitals and health centers in Iwo. These donations have significantly improved healthcare delivery in the ancient town, providing modern equipment that was previously unavailable to the local population.

Community Development

His approach to using the throne for development rather than personal aggrandizement has been one of the positive aspects of his reign. He has been involved in various community development projects, including support for education, youth empowerment, and economic development initiatives in Iwo and its environs.

Relief and Humanitarian Work

His humanitarian work, which began during his time in Canada, has continued during his reign. His organization, People Against Loneliness Inc., continues to provide support to vulnerable individuals, and he has been involved in disaster relief efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.

Major Controversies and Conflicts

The Emperor Declaration Controversy

Early in 2016, Oba Akanbi declared himself an emperor and his town an empire, placing number plates with ‘EMPEROR’ on his vehicles. This unilateral declaration was rejected by other Yoruba monarchs and the Osun State government, but he has maintained the title despite criticism.

Religious Controversies

In July 2016, Oba Akanbi stirred controversy when he relegated the Chief Imam to the background and led the Eid-Fitri prayer at the Iwo Praying Ground. Muslim clerics described the action as un-Islamic and inappropriate, but he justified it by citing historical precedent of a previous Oluwo who led prayers.

His stance against idol worship and traditional religious practices has also created tensions with traditionalists who believe a Yoruba king should respect and participate in ancestral worship regardless of personal religious convictions.

Claim to Ife Ancestry

Oba Akanbi visited Ile-Ife to trace his origin, stating that it had been established that indigenes of Iwo could come to Ife and aspire to be the Ooni, and vice versa. This declaration did not go down well with many Ife indigenes. On the day of his visit, he and his entourage were denied access to the Ooni’s palace because Oba Ogunwusi was said to be unaware of the visit.

Physical Assault on Fellow Monarch

The Oluwo was suspended for six months from the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers after allegedly physically attacking the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting. This incident, which allegedly resulted in the Agbowu’s hospitalization, shocked the traditional institution and led to disciplinary action against the Oluwo.

Traditional rulers recalled that Oluwo had previously had issues with fellow Obas in the Iwo axis, including the Olu of Ile-Igbo, Olowu of Kuta, Olu of Songbe, and Agbowu of Ogbaagba.

2025 Feud with Ooni of Ife

In October 2025, the Oluwo of Iwo accused the Ooni of Ife of conspiring with his ex-wife, Chanel Chin, to poison and kill him. In a viral video, he alleged that his former wife was introduced to him from Canada as part of a grand conspiracy, that she poisoned him twice, and that the Ooni accommodated her after their separation.

Following these allegations, traditional rulers from Ife North Local Government Area issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Oluwo to retract his allegations or face legal action. Eight monarchs, led by the Salu of Edunabon, described the Oluwo’s allegations as criminal, defamatory, and disrespectful to the sacred throne of Oduduwa.

The allegations have deepened the rift between the two most prominent Yoruba monarchs, with accusations of conspiracy, betrayal, and attempted murder shaking Osun’s royal circles.

Accusations Against Other Monarchs

In January 2025, the Oluwo accused Ekiti and Kwara monarchs of engaging in ritual killings, calling out traditional rulers, royal chiefs, pastors, and politicians for perpetrating gruesome acts. He demanded they stop using human beings for rituals or sacrifices, claiming that some kings sacrifice humans monthly to elongate their lives and reigns.

Leadership Philosophy and Approach to Traditional Rulership

Modern Monarchy Vision

The Oluwo has consistently advocated for modernizing traditional institutions while maintaining respect for valuable cultural traditions. He believes that traditional rulers should be active development partners rather than ceremonial figureheads, and that monarchs should be accountable to their people just as political leaders are.

Religious Stance

His first major decision as Oluwo was to combat idolatry in kingship, refusing to worship idols or deities in the palace. As a devout Muslim, he believes his allegiance is to God alone, and that traditional rulers should serve as custodians of moral values rather than promoters of what he considers outdated religious practices.

Development Focus

He has stated that his approach is to use the throne for development, not for any other thing, emphasizing that a king must be a servant to his people. This servant-leadership philosophy, while admirable, has sometimes clashed with traditional expectations of royal authority and dignity.

Call for Hierarchy Among Traditional Rulers

He has advocated for establishing a clear hierarchy among traditional rulers similar to military ranks, arguing that without order and structure, the traditional institution cannot function effectively. He has criticized the lack of formal structure in Osun State compared to Ogun State, where there are coronet obas, beaded crowns, and paramount rulers who respect one another.

Public Perception and Media Presence

The Oluwo of Iwo has a significant social media presence, particularly on Instagram and Facebook, where he regularly posts about his activities, opinions, and controversies. His social media usage is unprecedented among Nigerian traditional rulers of his rank, making him one of the most visible monarchs in the digital space.

His public image is deeply polarizing. Supporters praise his developmental initiatives, philanthropic works, and willingness to challenge what they see as outdated traditions. Critics, however, view him as disrespectful to tradition, unnecessarily controversial, and unbecoming of a traditional monarch.

His relationship with the media has been complex, with he often becoming the subject of both positive coverage for his development projects and negative coverage for his controversies. His background in mass communication has arguably helped him navigate media attention, though not always successfully.

Legacy and Impact on Traditional Leadership

Despite the controversies, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has undeniably impacted discussions about the role of traditional rulers in contemporary Nigeria. His reign has sparked important conversations about modernizing traditional institutions, the balance between cultural preservation and progress, and the accountability of traditional rulers to their subjects.

His developmental initiatives, particularly in infrastructure and healthcare, have set an example for active traditional leadership focused on tangible improvements in people’s lives. However, his confrontational approach and numerous conflicts have also demonstrated the challenges of implementing radical changes to traditional institutions that have existed for centuries.

Whether history will judge him as a visionary reformer or a controversial disruptor remains to be seen. What is certain is that his reign as the 16th Oluwo of Iwo has been anything but ordinary, and his influence on discussions about traditional leadership in Nigeria will likely extend far beyond his time on the throne.

Interesting Facts About Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi

1. War Veteran: He fought in the Liberian civil war for three years, an unusual background for a Nigerian traditional ruler.
2. Divine Calling: He claims to have received a message from heaven about becoming king just three days before his predecessor’s death, while at a picnic in Toronto.
3. International Humanitarian: Before becoming king, he traveled globally providing relief to disaster and war victims.
4. First Emperor: He is the first Yoruba traditional ruler to declare himself an Emperor in modern times.
5. Muslim King Against Idols: Unlike most Yoruba traditional rulers, he refuses to participate in traditional idol worship, keeping his palace free of deities.
6. Led Islamic Prayer: He became the first Oluwo in recent history to personally lead the Eid prayer, bypassing the Chief Imam.
7. Luxury Car Enthusiast: His car collection includes a Lamborghini Murcielago, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and other luxury vehicles.
8. Road Construction: He personally supervised the fixing of the 44km Iwo-Osogbo road, working daily from 8am to 6pm.
9. Social Media Monarch: He is one of Nigeria’s most active traditional rulers on social media, regularly posting on Instagram and Facebook.
10. Multiple Suspensions: He was suspended from the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers for allegedly physically attacking a fellow monarch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old is Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi?

Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi was born on June 21, 1967, making him 58 years old as of 2025.

2. Who is Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi’s current wife?

Oba Akanbi is currently married to Princess Firdaus, a woman from Kano State, whom he married in 2022 after divorcing his first wife, Chanel Chin.

3. How many children does Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi have?

The Oluwo has a son named Oduduwa with his ex-wife Chanel Chin, though details about other children are not publicly disclosed.

4. What is Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi’s net worth?

While his exact net worth is unknown, he is believed to be worth millions of dollars based on his luxury car collection including a Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce, and his various business interests.

5. When did Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi become king?

He was announced as the 16th Oluwo of Iwo on November 9, 2015, at the age of 48.

6. Why is Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi controversial?

The Oluwo has been controversial for declaring himself an emperor, leading Islamic prayers in place of the Chief Imam, refusing to worship traditional idols, and engaging