The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, has called on United States President Donald Trump to tread carefully amid rising tensions in the Middle East, warning that further escalation could trigger far-reaching global consequences.
In a statement addressing the unfolding crisis, the monarch expressed concern over Iran’s reprisal attacks following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes that reportedly led to the killing of Iran’s 86-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Oba Akanbi described the retaliatory actions as a “sin against humanity,” cautioning that continued hostilities risk plunging the international community into deeper instability.
According to the traditional ruler, the ripple effects of the crisis could extend beyond the region, threatening global markets and worsening economic hardship across nations already grappling with fragile recovery conditions.
He urged restraint and diplomatic engagement, stressing that world leaders must prioritise peace and global stability over military confrontation.
A statement by the monarch stated, “Only cowardly countries can surrender themselves in such an approach deployed by the US president, Donald Trump. I love America so much, but its President should rethink his leadership style.
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“Bombing innocent students in their attacks on Iran was a pure demonstration of cowardice. Iran has proved to America that not all countries are cowards like Venezuela. Iran has spoken in words and actions.”
He noted that “Such an attack and brutal killing of the leader of a sovereign nation will jeopardize relative international peace. I suppose the US and Israel have swallowed a pestle. You can still be a world power in peace. What war can do, peace can achieve more.”
“For years, Iran has been sanctioned, and they have learnt to be themselves. The current shoving of Iran by the US is of no quantifiable essence. The coordinated bombing of Iran and the reprisal attack by the latter are already having a huge negative impact on the world economy. Many passengers are stranded, and airports are closed in the affected region.
“Iranians stood their ground. They have spoken loudly and clearly. America, which claimed to be superior and a referee, is taking sides in a match it should be officiating. America has lost its credibility.
“The President of every sovereign country should be allowed to enjoy their independence and sovereignty. The assassination of Ayatollah, the supreme leader of Iran, on 28th February, 2026, is condemnable. Who knows who is next?”
He held that America has lost its supremacy, saying, “As a true world power, you don’t take sides when two parties are at war. US involvement without calling for a truce has made them lose their grip on world power. It was a needless and avoidable confrontation. I doubt if it will end well for America.”
“I love America and Israel. Trump should apologize to Iran and the world at large. It’s not too late to right the wrong.”
