The Osun State Government has issued a warning to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, over his recent public statements that could fuel religious hostility and undermine peaceful coexistence among communities. In an official memo dated November 2026, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs expressed concern over the monarch's remarks, stating that they could provoke religious crises and encourage inter-town disputes. The government emphasized that the Oluwo's position as a traditional ruler requires him to protect the rights of all citizens, including their freedom of religion and association.
The memo, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, reminded Oba Akanbi that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of religion and association. The government stressed that the monarch's continued remarks had reached a point where the state administration could no longer ignore the potential consequences. The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs also cautioned the Oluwo against using his traditional position to encourage religious hostility or undermine the cultural values and customs of the people he leads.
According to the memo, some of the monarch's public comments had heightened communal tensions, encouraged religious divisions, and undermined the traditional values of Yoruba society. The government specifically warned him against making statements or launching repeated attacks on people of other religious beliefs. The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs listed six directives for the monarch to prevent further escalation, including stopping attacks on people of other faiths and respecting their freedom of religious choice.
The government ordered the Oluwo to refrain from further confrontations with fellow traditional rulers and protect the culture and traditions associated with his traditional stool. The monarch was also urged to comply with the rules and standards established under Osun State's Chieftaincy Laws and resolutions of the State Council of Obas. The ministry announced that it would monitor the monarch's compliance with the directives and directed the State Council of Obas to monitor developments in Iwo land and take appropriate action where necessary.
The warning was issued in a memo titled "Cautionary Notes on Inflammatory Rhetorics Capable of Creating Religious and Inter-Town Conflicts." The government emphasized that no responsible administration would tolerate reforms or activities capable of provoking community violence and conflict. The memo was addressed to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and was signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.
The Osun State Government's warning to the Oluwo of Iwo has been seen as a move to prevent further escalation of religious tensions in the state. The government has urged the monarch to exercise caution in his public statements and to promote peaceful coexistence among communities. The Oluwo's remarks had sparked concerns among residents and leaders in the state, who fear that they could lead to a breakdown in communal peace.
The incident has highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in promoting peaceful coexistence and respect for diverse cultural and religious practices in Nigeria. The Osun State Government's action has been welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step to prevent further divisions and promote unity in the state. The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
Key points
- The Osun State Government has warned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, over his inflammatory remarks that could trigger religious confrontations and undermine communal peace.
- The government has issued six directives to the monarch, including stopping attacks on people of other faiths and respecting their freedom of religious choice.
- The incident has highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in promoting peaceful coexistence and respect for diverse cultural and religious practices in Nigeria.
