Osun State Government Issues Directive to Oluwo of Iwo Amid Religious Tension Concerns

The Osun State government has taken formal action regarding the public conduct of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi. In an official letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the state administration has directed the Osun State Council of Obas to monitor developments within Iwo, citing concerns that the monarch’s recent public statements could jeopardize religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the region.

Government Concerns Over Public Conduct

The directive, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, was issued in November 2026. According to the document, the state government has observed several public statements attributed to Oba Akanbi that it believes are capable of inciting religious disagreements and confrontations between communities. The government explicitly warned the monarch to cease making comments directed against other religious groups and fellow traditional rulers, stating that actions leading to communal tension will not be tolerated.

The letter emphasizes that the traditional institution is expected to serve as a pillar for unity and the preservation of cultural values, rather than a platform for religious discord. The government reminded the monarch of the constitutional right to freedom of religion, noting that traditional rulers have a responsibility to respect the rights of all residents within their domains.

Context of the Controversy

While the government did not provide an exhaustive list of the specific remarks that prompted this intervention, Oba Akanbi has previously utilized social media to express controversial views on traditional practices. In a video shared on his Facebook page on July 1, the monarch criticized traditional rites associated with the installation of new kings, characterizing them as forms of idolatry. Additionally, in an October 10 video, he questioned the historical significance of ancient crowns, suggesting they were merely products of the individuals who wore them.

The state government has instructed the Oluwo to adhere strictly to the provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Laws and the behavioral guidelines established by the Council of Obas. A copy of the directive was forwarded to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his capacity as the chairman of the Council of Obas, to facilitate oversight.

Dispute Over Correspondence

A significant point of contention has emerged regarding the delivery of the government’s directive. While the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs maintains that the letter was delivered to the monarch’s secretary on Tuesday, the palace has disputed this account. Alli Ibraheem, the Press Secretary to the Oluwo, stated that the palace has not received any such correspondence from the state government.

Conclusion

The situation remains fluid as the government seeks to maintain stability through the oversight of the Council of Obas. As of now, the state government has signaled its intent to monitor compliance with its directives, while the palace denies receipt of the official communication. The outcome of this intervention will likely depend on the ongoing dialogue between the traditional institution and the state authorities.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

Tags: news · Nigeria Politics · Oluwo of Iwo · Osun State · Religious Tolerance · Traditional Rulers · ViralBrief