By John Dike Osogbo
— directs traditional ruler to stop alleged attacks on people of other faiths, fellow monarchs; State Council of Obas to monitor developments
The Osun State Government has cautioned the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, over alleged inflammatory statements and conduct capable of triggering religious crisis and escalating tensions between communities in the state.
The government also placed the monarch under close watch, directing him to desist from utterances and actions capable of undermining religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and cordial relationships among traditional institutions.
The warning was conveyed in an official letter dated November 2026, with reference number CD.17/1/VOL.VIII/377, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The letter, a copy of which was received by the monarch’s secretary on November 3, followed what the government described as disturbing public statements credited to the traditional ruler.
According to the state government, the monarch’s recent activities and public utterances were capable of heightening communal tension, creating religious divisions and undermining the traditional values expected of occupants of revered stools.
It described the development as a threat to peace, unity and stability in Osun State, particularly in Iwoland, warning that the persistence of such conduct could jeopardise peaceful relationships among residents of different religious backgrounds.
The government stressed that the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of religion and association must be respected by all Nigerians, including traditional rulers who occupy positions of authority and influence in their communities.
It maintained that the Oluwo, like every other traditional ruler, had a responsibility to respect the religious convictions of his subjects and avoid actions capable of threatening their rights.
“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 government warned.
It further cautioned that traditional institutions should not be used as instruments for promoting religious confrontation, insisting that no responsible administration would tolerate reforms or activities capable of generating violence within communities.
The government also expressed concern over what it described as several public utterances attributed to the monarch, noting that the statements had not been denied.
Consequently, the government issued six cautionary directives aimed at preventing a possible outbreak of religious and inter-town conflict.
It directed the Oluwo to immediately stop any further attacks on people of other religious beliefs and refrain from statements or actions capable of provoking religious hostility.
The monarch was also cautioned against further attacks on fellow traditional rulers, with the government warning that such conduct could escalate disagreements into confrontations between communities and traditional institutions.
The administration further urged him to protect and promote the culture, customs and traditions of Iwoland, stressing that the traditional stool symbolises the heritage and collective identity of the people.
It also reminded the monarch of the need to conduct himself in accordance with the provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Laws and resolutions of the State Council of Obas.
The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said it would monitor the monarch’s compliance with the cautionary directives.
In addition, the State Council of Obas had been directed to closely monitor developments in Iwoland and take appropriate action in response to the situation.
The government’s intervention highlights the sensitivity of religious relations and inter-community disagreements, particularly in a state where traditional institutions play significant roles in maintaining social cohesion, cultural identity and grassroots peace.
The administration’s position, as contained in the letter, is that traditional rulers must use their influence to promote unity, respect constitutional freedoms and prevent actions capable of disturbing the peace of their domains.
