The Osun State Government has placed the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, under watch over comments it considers capable of triggering religious tension and communal crisis in the state.
The government reportedly issued a formal warning to the traditional ruler, urging him to refrain from public statements and actions that could provoke religious divisions or create hostility among residents.
In a letter issued through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the government expressed concern that some of the monarch’s alleged utterances could undermine peaceful coexistence and create unnecessary tension among traditional institutions and religious groups.
The letter, signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, reminded the monarch of the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of religion and the responsibility of traditional rulers to respect the beliefs of their subjects.
The government reportedly gave the Oluwo six directives, including an instruction to stop making comments against people of other faiths, avoid verbal attacks on fellow traditional rulers and respect the provisions of Osun State’s Chieftaincy Laws.
It also directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to monitor the monarch’s conduct and compliance with the directives.
Similarly, the Osun State Council of Obas, chaired by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was asked to monitor developments in Iwo.
The government’s action reportedly followed controversies surrounding the Oluwo’s comments on traditional Yoruba practices, including royal installation rites and ancient crowns.
Meanwhile, there were conflicting accounts over the delivery of the warning letter. While the government maintained that it was delivered to the monarch’s secretary, the Oluwo’s spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, initially denied that the monarch had received it.
He subsequently confirmed receipt of the letter and indicated that the monarch would respond appropriately.
The development has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of traditional rulers in promoting religious tolerance, cultural understanding and peaceful coexistence in Osun State.
