The Osun State Government has cautioned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, against making inflammatory statements capable of triggering religious violence and conflicts between communities in the state.
The government also directed the monarch to stop attacking people of other religious beliefs and fellow traditional rulers, warning that his activities would be monitored to prevent a breakdown of peace.
The warning was contained in a letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Office of the Permanent Secretary, dated November 2026.
The letter, with reference number CD.17/1/VOL.VIII/377, was signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.
Osun raises concern over Oluwo’s remarks
In the letter titled “Cautionary Notes on Inflammatory Rhetorics Capable of Creating Religious and Inter-Town Conflicts,” the government expressed concern over recent public statements attributed to the monarch.
It accused him of making pronouncements that could encourage religious confrontation, communal disagreements and disruption of public peace.
The government maintained that the continued circulation of such statements had become a matter requiring official intervention.
It reminded the monarch that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to practise their religious beliefs.
“You cannot and you must not conduct yourself in any way that can foment religious crisis through serial attacks on people of other faiths,” the letter stated.
The ministry further warned that traditional institutions must not be used to promote religious hostility or undermine the cultural values they represent.
It maintained that traditional rulers have a responsibility to preserve peace, promote unity and protect the customs of their communities.
Government issues six directives to Oluwo
As part of measures to prevent possible religious and communal conflicts, the state government outlined six directives for the monarch.
It instructed him to immediately stop further attacks on people of other faiths and refrain from making statements capable of provoking confrontations with fellow traditional rulers.
The government also urged Oba Akanbi to preserve the culture and traditions associated with his royal stool.
He was further directed to comply with the state’s Chieftaincy Laws and resolutions of the Osun State Council of Obas.
The ministry disclosed that it would closely monitor his compliance with the directives.
It also instructed the State Council of Obas to monitor developments in Iwoland and take appropriate action where necessary.
Osun warns against communal tension
The government expressed concern that statements attributed to the monarch could undermine religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
It accused him of creating tension among communities and damaging the traditional values of the Yoruba people.
“These developments constitute serious threats to the peace, unity and stability of Osun State and your immediate domain,” the letter stated.
The ministry maintained that reforms or public declarations capable of creating community violence would not be tolerated.
It urged the monarch to exercise restraint and respect the religious rights of residents.
Oluwo’s palace reacts
Meanwhile, the Press Secretary to the Oluwo, Alli Ibraheem, reportedly denied that the monarch had received the government’s letter.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Ibraheem maintained that Oba Akanbi had not received any correspondence from the state government.
However, the newspaper reported that a copy of the letter was received by the monarch’s secretary on Tuesday, November 3.
The government did not specify the particular statements that prompted the warning, although the monarch has previously criticised aspects of traditional Yoruba religious practices and the conduct of fellow traditional rulers.
The latest development follows previous disagreements surrounding religious practices and traditional institutions in Iwoland.
