RismadarVoice Reporters
November 5, 2026
The Osun State Government has placed the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, under monitoring over public statements it considers capable of provoking religious tensions and disputes among traditional rulers.
The government also directed the monarch to refrain from making remarks against adherents of other religions and fellow traditional rulers, warning that such conduct could threaten communal peace.
The warning was contained in a letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.
The letter, dated November 2026 and bearing reference number CD.17/1/VOL.VIII/377, was reportedly received at the Oluwo’s palace on Tuesday, November 3.
A copy was also sent to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his capacity as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas.
According to the government, several public statements attributed to Oba Akanbi had raised concerns about possible religious confrontation, inter-community disputes and disruption of public peace.
The ministry maintained that traditional rulers have a responsibility to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to practise their chosen religions.
It also stressed that traditional institutions should promote peaceful coexistence and preserve the cultural values of their communities.
As part of its directives, the government urged the Oluwo to avoid statements capable of provoking religious hostility or disagreements with other monarchs.
The ministry further directed him to comply with the state’s chieftaincy laws and relevant resolutions of the Council of Obas.
It announced that officials would monitor his compliance, while the Council of Obas would also observe developments within Iwoland.
Although the government did not identify specific statements that prompted its intervention, the Oluwo has previously criticised aspects of Yoruba traditional practices.
In a July 1 video shared on social media, the monarch questioned traditional rites and seclusion ceremonies associated with the installation of new rulers.
He also challenged claims surrounding the antiquity of royal crowns in another video published in October.
However, the Oluwo’s Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, disputed reports that the monarch had received the government’s letter.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Ibraheem maintained that no such correspondence had been received by the monarch.
The conflicting accounts leave the question of formal receipt unresolved, although copies of the government’s warning have been reported by several news organisations.
