The growing controversy surrounding the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Osun State Government has taken another turn following a seven-day ultimatum issued by a group identifying itself as Yoruba Muslim Women, Iwo Chapter.
In a press statement dated November 6, 2026, the group expressed what it described as deep concern, disappointment and displeasure over the warning letter reportedly issued to the Oluwo by the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The women questioned the circumstances surrounding the letter and demanded that those allegedly responsible for its authorship and circulation either publicly withdraw it or demonstrate consistency by applying the same standard of criticism to other traditional rulers who openly associate with traditional religious worshippers.
The Seven-Day Ultimatum
The group gave bloggers, individuals and organisations allegedly involved in the authorship and circulation of the letter seven days to publicly denounce and withdraw it.
Alternatively, they challenged those behind the criticism to raise similar concerns about the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers who have openly identified with adherents of Yoruba traditional religion.
According to the women, religious tolerance, freedom of expression and the right to associate with one's religious beliefs should apply equally to all traditional rulers, regardless of their personal religious convictions.
Appeal to Governor Adeleke
The group also appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the controversy.
They warned against the possible misuse of government authority for personal vendettas, religious intolerance or political manipulation.
They further demanded an official clarification if the controversial letter genuinely originated from a government office, insisting that anyone who did not authorise its issuance should publicly dissociate themselves from it.
The women also declared that their political support for any administration would depend on its commitment to fairness, justice and respect for religious rights.
Government's Position and the Growing Controversy
The development follows the Osun State Government's November 2026 cautionary letter to the Oluwo over alleged public statements capable of triggering religious and inter-town conflicts.
According to reports by Premium Times and The Punch on November 5, the Ministry accused the monarch of making statements that could undermine peaceful coexistence and create divisions among people of different religious backgrounds.
The government reportedly outlined six directives, including asking the monarch to stop attacking people of other faiths and fellow traditional rulers, respect the religious rights of his subjects and uphold the cultural values associated with his throne.
The letter was signed by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Wale Alliyu, and a copy was forwarded to the Ooni of Ife, who chairs the Osun State Council of Obas.
The Oluwo's spokesperson, Alli Ibrahim, reportedly confirmed receipt of the letter and said the monarch would respond appropriately.
However, the controversy has become increasingly complicated by the wider disagreement over the relationship between Yoruba traditional institutions, cultural heritage and religious identity.
'We Do Not Want Religious Conflict in Iwo'
In their statement, the women maintained that Muslims in Iwo had consistently demonstrated restraint despite what they described as provocative religious comments.
They warned that such restraint should not be interpreted as weakness and expressed concern that inflammatory publications, public statements and divisive narratives could eventually create unnecessary religious tension.
The group insisted that it had no interest in a confrontation between Muslims and adherents of traditional Yoruba religion.
They consequently called on the state government, security agencies, traditional institutions and religious leaders to intervene before the situation deteriorates.
"We do not want religious conflict in Iwo," the statement declared, reaffirming their support for the Oluwo and their demand for peace, mutual respect and freedom of religious practice without intimidation.
Nigerians React: Calls for Restraint, Criticism and Dethronement
The controversy has also generated sharply divided reactions among Nigerians, particularly on social media.
Some commenters questioned why the women were demanding that the Ooni be cautioned simply because of his association with traditional religious leaders. One reaction argued that a traditional ruler should naturally be expected to uphold and protect Yoruba traditions.
Another commenter accused the Oluwo and the Mufti of contributing to the tension they were now condemning, questioning the sincerity of calls for religious peace.
Others went further, demanding the Oluwo's removal from the throne and arguing that Iwo's traditional institution must remain rooted in Yoruba cultural identity.
One particularly critical reaction asked why the governor had not taken stronger action, insisting that the government should intervene before the situation escalated.
Another contributor drew a distinction between the traditional responsibilities of an Emir and those of a Yoruba Oba, questioning the religious arguments surrounding the controversy.
There were also broader concerns that religious intolerance was gradually finding its way into Yoruba society, alongside accusations of religious extremism and calls for Muslims to reflect on their approach to interfaith relations.
The Bigger Question
Beyond the seven-day ultimatum, the unfolding controversy raises a fundamental question about the responsibilities of traditional rulers in a religiously diverse society.
Can a monarch openly promote his personal religious convictions without alienating subjects who subscribe to different beliefs? Equally, should a government warning against potentially inflammatory statements be interpreted as religious discrimination?
Ultimately, the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence should not become competing interests.
Iwoland deserves peace, and neither religious identity nor traditional authority should become an instrument for intimidation, provocation or division.
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