The Osun State Government has cautioned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, over alleged inflammatory comments capable of triggering religious tension and conflict between communities.
The government also directed the traditional ruler to stop making statements against people of other religious beliefs and fellow monarchs, warning that his conduct could threaten peace and stability in the state.
The warning was contained in a letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with reference number CD.17/1/VOL.VIII/377, dated November 2026 and signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.
A copy of the letter, obtained by The PUNCH in Osogbo on Wednesday, was also forwarded to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his capacity as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas.
In the letter addressed to the Oluwo, the government said it had observed several public statements attributed to the monarch which it considered capable of provoking religious confrontation, inter-town disputes and disruption of communal peace.
It accused the monarch of making comments that could deepen divisions among residents and undermine the cultural values associated with the traditional institution.
The government said the situation had become a serious concern and could no longer be ignored, particularly because of the potential consequences for peace and unity in Iwo and other parts of Osun State.
It also reminded the monarch that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to freedom of religion and association, stressing that traditional rulers are expected to respect the religious choices of the people they govern.
The letter stated:
“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 further warned that traditional institutions should not be used to promote religious hostility or undermine the cultural heritage of the communities they represent.
As part of its directives, the state government instructed Oba Akanbi to immediately stop making statements attacking people of other faiths and refrain from comments directed at fellow traditional rulers that could trigger confrontations between communities.
It also asked him to preserve the cultural traditions of his people and comply with the relevant provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Laws and resolutions of the State Council of Obas.
The ministry disclosed that it would monitor the monarch’s compliance with the directives.
The State Council of Obas was also directed to monitor developments in Iwo and take appropriate action where necessary.
Although the government did not identify every statement that prompted its intervention, the monarch has previously expressed strong views about traditional religious practices and the installation of Yoruba kings.
On July 1, Oba Akanbi shared a video on his Facebook page in which he criticised traditional rites and seclusion associated with the installation of new monarchs, describing the practices as a means of drawing traditional rulers into idolatry.
In another video published on October 10, he questioned the idea of an ancient crown, arguing that crowns were made by the monarchs who wore them.
However, the Oluwo’s Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, disputed the government’s account of the communication when contacted by The PUNCH.
He said the monarch had not received any letter from the Osun State Government.
The disagreement over whether the letter was received adds another dimension to the development, as the government maintains that it issued the warning while the monarch’s office says it has not received the document.
The matter comes amid continuing debates over the relationship between traditional institutions, religious freedom and the preservation of Yoruba cultural practices in Osun State.
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