The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has banned the bringing of alcoholic drinks into his palace, insisting that such drinks pose serious health risks to him and other elderly traditional rulers.
The monarch announced the ban in a video posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, warning visitors against presenting alcoholic beverages such as gin, schnapps, and other spirits during traditional palace visits.
Akanbi said he would no longer accept such items, adding that anyone who brings Hennessy or similar drinks to the palace may be harbouring harmful intentions towards him.
The monarch revealed that he recently learnt some visitors had brought Hennessy to the palace and cautioned against a repeat of such gestures, saying he would rather receive gifts that support his wellbeing and health.
He also argued that alcohol consumption was never part of authentic Yoruba tradition, urging elders to steer clear of practices that endanger their health.
“The so-called alcohol usually presented or reserved for the elders is detrimental to their health, it leads to death,” Akanbi said.
“Anyone who brings hot drinks to the king’s palace wants to eliminate the king. Gin, schnapps reserved for the elderly should not be brought to my palace because what they call alcohol for the elderly is made by the Western people to kill and destroy internal organs. It will render the kidneys useless.”
He further warned against gifts of Hennessy specifically, questioning why anyone would expect him to consume an entire bottle of a drink he described as dangerous.
“I heard you brought Hennessy; don’t bring it here o; you want to kill me. Anyone who brings Hennessy or other dangerous alcoholic drinks has the intention to kill me. So, I should drink an entire bottle; what will I use to pray?” he asked.
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