The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has declared that the crown of Yoruba traditional rulers represents a pure symbol of God whose sanctity must be protected at all costs, particularly by those who occupy the throne.

The monarch made this statement on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the forum of non-idol worshipping Yoruba traditional rulers from Egbedore local government in Iwo.

Oba Akanbi lamented that contrary to divine will, traditional stools have been subjected to the dictates of secret cults and societies, resulting in many Yoruba monarchs being "imprisoned" and unable to enjoy the richness of their culture and freedom.

"Crown is a pure symbol of God whose sanctity must be protected at all cost most especially by the occupants of the stool," the Oluwo stated. "Against the will of Olodumare, the stool has been subjected to the dictates of secret cults/society."

He further explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the traditional institution by liberating monarchs from what he described as "mental slavery." According to the Oluwo, the compulsion for Yoruba monarchs to be members of secret societies has subjected many of them to ridicule and contempt.

"Being a member of any secret society has subjected many monarchs to ridicule and contempt," he emphasized.

The Oluwo expressed confidence that the forum would commit to erasing what he called "generational curses" associated with the worship of deities.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting traditional rulers, the Agbaekun of Obadiimu, Oba Micheal Olakuitan Opajimi II, expressed strong hope in the success of the forum with God as its foundation. The delegates pledged their unwavering support for promoting pure Yoruba culture and traditions without idolatry and volunteered to actively preach "the gospel of God only."