The Osun State Government has placed the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, on security watch following concerns over his alleged inflammatory public statements and persistent attacks on fellow traditional rulers, warning that his conduct could trigger religious and inter-community crises.
The government said the monarch’s recent utterances had the potential to heighten communal tensions, fuel religious discord and threaten the peace and stability of Osun State.
The development was conveyed in an official letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Office of the Permanent Secretary, with reference number CD.17/1/VOL.VIII/377, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.
In the letter, the government expressed concern over several public statements attributed to the monarch, saying they were capable of undermining peaceful coexistence and the traditional values of Yoruba society.
“The government notes with shock and disbelief several statements and public utterances credited to Your Royal Majesty without denial,” the letter stated.
It further accused the monarch’s conduct of raising communal tension, sowing seeds of religious and communal discord and increasingly discrediting the traditional values of his people.
The government particularly warned the Oluwo against using his traditional position to make statements capable of provoking religious hostility.
“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 letter warned.
It stressed that traditional rulers were expected to promote peace, religious tolerance and respect for the cultural heritage of their communities rather than engage in activities capable of causing division.
The government also expressed concern over the monarch’s reported attacks on fellow traditional rulers, warning that continued exchanges could degenerate into inter-town confrontations.
To prevent a possible breakdown of law and order, the government issued six cautionary directives to the Oluwo.
These include an immediate halt to attacks on people of other religious faiths, refraining from further attacks on fellow monarchs, and making efforts to preserve the culture and traditions represented by his stool.
The monarch was also reminded to conduct himself in accordance with the provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Laws and resolutions of the State Council of Obas.
As part of its monitoring measures, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said it would monitor the monarch’s compliance with the directives.
The State Council of Obas was equally directed to watch and take appropriate action on recent developments within Iwo land.
The government described the issues as serious threats to the peace, unity and stability of the state, stressing the need for urgent caution to prevent any possible religious or inter-community crisis.
The latest intervention places the conduct of the Oluwo under closer government and institutional scrutiny amid concerns over the potential security implications of his public utterances and disagreements with other traditional rulers.
