Osun Government Warns Oluwo Iwo: Cease Inflammatory Remarks

• The Osun State Government has placed the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, under watch due to inflammatory remarks.
• A letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs directed the monarch to stop attacking people of other faiths and fellow traditional rulers.
• The official communication, dated November 2026, cited concerns about escalating communal tension and religious discord.
• The government reminded the Oluwo of his constitutional duty to respect religious freedom and preserve cultural values.
• A copy of the government's warning was also sent to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas.

The administration stated that the persistent nature of such crisis-inciting behavior and disruptive conduct, which threatened public peace, had reached a point where it could no longer be disregarded.

The Osun State Government has initiated a close monitoring of Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, following what it described as inflammatory remarks. These pronouncements are considered capable of inciting both religious and inter-town conflicts within the state.

The monarch has been explicitly directed to cease his attacks on individuals of other faiths and fellow traditional rulers. This official caution was conveyed through a letter originating from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, specifically from the Office of the Permanent Secretary. The document, identified by reference number CD.17/1/VOL.VIII/377, was dated November 2026 and bore the signature of Wale Alliyu, acting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.

A copy of this critical communication was obtained by The PUNCH in Osogbo on a Wednesday and was also dispatched to Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, in his capacity as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas. The letter was officially received by the Oluwo's secretary on a Tuesday.

The Osun government expressed profound concern that the activities and public statements of the Oluwo of Iwo Osun State were actively escalating communal tension and fostering religious discord. These actions were also viewed as progressively undermining the traditional values cherished by his community and the broader Yoruba heritage.

The administration cited several recent, well-publicized statements and pronouncements from Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, which it believed held the potential to ignite religious confrontation, inter-town disputes, and a general disruption of communal peace. The government emphasized that the persistent nature of such crisis-inciting behavior and disruptive conduct, which threatened public peace, had reached a point where it could no longer be disregarded.

It was noted with

The government's communication served as a reminder to the Oluwo of Iwo that, within the framework of the Constitution, every citizen is guaranteed the fundamental right to freedom of religious association in Nigeria. As a traditional ruler, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi is legally bound to respect his subjects' rights to adhere to their chosen religious beliefs, in full compliance with constitutional provisions.

The letter further underscored that the essential role of a traditional ruler is the preservation of the cultural values and traditions of the people they govern. The administration issued a clear warning that any pursuit of reforms that could potentially lead to community violence and conflict would not be tolerated. It was also clarified that a traditional stool must not be utilized to incite religious war, and its occupants must exercise caution to avoid eroding the traditional values, culture, and traditions of the society over which they preside.

In response to these observations, the Osun government issued specific cautionary notes designed to preempt any potential outbreak of religious and inter-town conflict. The Oluwo was explicitly directed to immediately cease all further attacks on individuals of other faiths, reiterating that all citizens possess the right to religious freedom of their choice.

Furthermore, he was instructed to refrain from additional attacks on fellow traditional rulers to avert potential inter-town confrontations. Finally, the Osun government warns Oluwo Iwo that he must actively work to preserve the culture and tradition of the people, which the traditional stool he occupies inherently symbolizes, ensuring his conduct aligns with the expectations of his office.

Lawyers should advise traditional leaders and public figures on the legal boundaries of public speech, particularly concerning religious and communal sensitivities, given the potential for government intervention and constitutional implications related to freedom of religion and public peace.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH