The Osun State Government has cautioned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, over alleged inflammatory statements capable of triggering religious tensions and conflicts among traditional rulers.
The warning was conveyed in a November 2026 letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs through the Office of the Permanent Secretary and addressed to the monarch at his palace in Iwo.
In the letter, titled “Cautionary Notes on Inflammatory Rhetorics Capable of Creating Religious and Inter-Town Conflicts,” the government expressed concern over recent public comments attributed to the traditional ruler.
It warned that such statements could provoke religious confrontations, fuel disputes between communities and undermine peace and stability in the state.
The government reminded Oba Akanbi that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and association, stressing that traditional rulers have a responsibility to respect the religious beliefs and rights of their subjects.
It specifically cautioned the monarch against making remarks or engaging in conduct capable of provoking religious crises, including alleged verbal attacks on people of other faiths and fellow traditional rulers.
As part of its directives, the government asked the Oluwo to immediately desist from making further attacks against people of other religious beliefs and refrain from issuing statements targeting fellow traditional rulers.
It also urged him to protect the cultural values and traditions associated with his throne and comply with the state’s chieftaincy laws and resolutions of the State Council of Obas.
The ministry said it would monitor the monarch’s compliance with the directives, while the State Council of Obas was also instructed to monitor and address developments in Iwoland.
The government reiterated that actions capable of creating religious or communal divisions would not be tolerated, emphasising the importance of safeguarding peace, unity and stability across Osun State.
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