The Adeleke administration warns Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi to stop alleged attacks on other religious groups and fellow traditional rulers, placing his conduct under government monitoring.
The heat is getting hotter for the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, as the Osun State Government has issued a strong cautionary warning to the monarch over public statements allegedly capable of triggering religious confrontations, inter-town conflicts and a breakdown of communal peace.
In a formal communication addressed to His Royal Majesty at the Oluwo Palace in Iwo, the state government expressed serious concern over what it described as repeated inflammatory statements and public pronouncements attributed to the monarch.
The letter, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and received by the monarch's secretary on November 3, 2026, warned that the situation had reached a point the government could no longer overlook.
According to the government, the alleged conduct of the traditional ruler was increasingly creating tension, encouraging religious and communal divisions, and undermining the traditional values and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The government specifically reminded the Oluwo that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of religion and association, stressing that traditional rulers have a responsibility to respect the constitutional rights of everyone living within their domains, irrespective of religious beliefs.
It warned that no traditional institution should be used as a platform for promoting religious hostility or encouraging confrontations between people of different faiths.
The letter further emphasised that traditional rulers are custodians of their people's culture, heritage and customs. Consequently, the government argued that any attempt to pursue reforms capable of generating violence, communal division or religious confrontation would be unacceptable.
SIX DIRECTIVES: GOVERNMENT PLACES OLUWO UNDER WATCH
In what appears to be a serious institutional intervention, the Osun State Government outlined six specific cautionary directives to the Oluwo of Iwoland.
The directives include:
1. Stop attacks on other religious groups: The monarch was directed to immediately desist from making further attacks against people of other faiths, recognising their constitutional right to practise their chosen religion.
2. Stop confrontations with fellow traditional rulers: He was cautioned against further attacks on other traditional rulers to prevent disagreements from escalating into inter-town conflicts.
3. Preserve Yoruba culture and tradition: The government reminded him that his traditional stool represents the cultural heritage and values of his people, which he is expected to protect.
4. Respect traditional institution regulations: The monarch was advised to conduct himself in accordance with the established norms and regulations contained in the state's Chieftaincy Laws and resolutions of the State Council of Obas.
5. Government monitoring: The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs disclosed that it would monitor the monarch's compliance with the cautionary directives.
6. State Council of Obas intervention: The State Council of Obas was also directed to monitor developments within Iwoland and take appropriate action where necessary.
The government maintained that its intervention was aimed at preventing a possible outbreak of religious or inter-community conflict rather than waiting until tensions degenerate into violence.
THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME OLUWO'S RELIGIOUS POSITION HAS ATTRACTED CONTROVERSY
The latest development brings renewed attention to previous disagreements involving the Oluwo and traditional religious worshippers in Iwoland.
In August 2023, Governor Ademola Adeleke intervened in a dispute involving the monarch and traditional religion practitioners over the celebration of the Isese festival.
At the time, the governor deployed his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, to Iwo to engage stakeholders and prevent a possible confrontation. The state government reaffirmed that adherents of different religions were free to practise their beliefs peacefully within the law.
The latest warning therefore represents another significant intervention by the Adeleke administration in matters involving religious coexistence and the responsibilities of traditional rulers.
It is important to note that the government has not announced the suspension or dethronement of the Oluwo. However, its decision to place his conduct under monitoring and direct the State Council of Obas to watch developments in Iwoland demonstrates the seriousness with which the administration views the situation.
For a traditional institution that is expected to symbolise unity, cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence, the government believes that public conduct must reflect the responsibility attached to the throne.
The question now is whether the Oluwo will heed the government's warning and adjust his public engagements or whether the disagreement will develop into another major confrontation involving the traditional institution and the state government.
One thing is certain: the Osun State Government has made its position clear. Religious freedom, communal peace and respect for traditional institutions must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal convictions or public disagreements.
Wahala ti de ba Oluwo! This time, the government is watching. 🤣
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