Osun state orders Iwo king to curb remarks that may spark religious conflict

Osun government warns Iwo king over controversial remarks

Following worries about remarks made by Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, the Osun State Government ordered the State Council of Obas to keep a close watch on the situation in Iwo on 5 November 2026. Wale Alliyu, acting for the Permanent Secretary, signed the correspondence which noted that the ruler's comments might jeopardize religious harmony and peaceful relations. Additionally, the administration directed the monarch to stop issuing statements that criticize other faith groups or other traditional leaders. Officials warned that any subsequent behavior likely to provoke community unrest would not be accepted. This order was delivered to the Oluwo, with a duplicate sent to Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, who serves as the head of the Osun State Council of Obas.

Background

Oba Akanbi has previously made public comments that critics say challenge traditional Yoruba religious practices and the conduct of other monarchs. In a clip shared on his Facebook account on 1 July, the ruler condemned the isolation period linked to the coronation of new kings, labeling the custom as a pathway to idol worship. Another video shared on 10 October questioned the concept of ancient crowns, arguing that crowns were a product of the past. The state administration explained that this action was taken after observing multiple public comments attributed to the Oluwo, which were viewed as likely to cause religious disputes and clashes between different groups. The government characterized the monarch's public appearances as factors that increase community friction and weaken the cultural principles tied to traditional bodies.

Why it matters

The directive reflects the state’s concern that the Oluwo’s remarks could fuel religious conflicts and threaten the peaceful relations among communities in Osun. The government emphasised that traditional rulers should promote unity and preserve customs rather than become a platform for religious disagreements. It was further emphasized that all citizens in Nigeria possess a constitutional right to religious liberty, and traditional rulers must honor the rights of people within their jurisdictions.

What happens next

The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is tasked with overseeing the ruler's adherence to these orders, while the Council of Obas has been told to focus on events occurring in Iwo. The government stated that it would not accept actions capable of resulting in violence and that it would not tolerate further verbal confrontations that could generate disagreements between towns or threaten peaceful relations among communities.