Nigeria, June 30 -- The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has criticised remarks made by Justice Phillips Akinside of the Ogun State High Court regarding the Obaship institution.

The monarch described the judge's comments as "sacrilegious" and an attempt to mislead the Yoruba people.

Justice Akinside had reportedly stated that Obas have no right to change traditions they have voluntarily come into, sparking controversy and prompting the Oluwo's response. The monarch argued that the judge's comments demonstrated a lack of understanding of Yoruba culture and tradition.

The Oluwo said Yoruba Obas are not religious leaders, but rather cultural symbols, and that they have the freedom to choose their own religious practices....