Oluwo: Nigerians Differ Over Osun Govt’s Warning To Iwo Monarch

Nigerians have expressed divergent opinions over the warning issued by the Osun State Government to the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, over alleged inflammatory remarks capable of triggering religious tension and conflicts among traditional communities.

While some Nigerians have applauded the government for intervening, arguing that traditional rulers must promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, others have criticised its approach, insisting that dialogue and due process should take precedence over official warnings.

The reactions followed a formal caution issued to the monarch by the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs over statements allegedly attributed to him.

In the letter, dated November 2026 and signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the government expressed concern that the monarch’s public utterances could undermine communal harmony, religious tolerance and traditional values.

The government consequently directed the Oluwo to desist from comments or actions capable of attacking people of other faiths and fellow traditional rulers, adding that his conduct would be monitored by the ministry and the Osun State Council of Obas.

Reacting to the development on Facebook, Sodiq Olawale, who identified himself as an indigene of Iwo, described the government’s intervention as long overdue.

He said, “This is long overdue. Kudos to the Osun State Government for the action it has taken. I am an indigene of Iwo; let us tell ourselves the truth. Oluwo’s utterances towards other religions are bad, especially towards traditional religion, and his comments about the Ooni of Ife are unacceptable.”

Also supporting the government’s position, Prince Brutus Bamiteko suggested that the warning could signal further action against the monarch if the concerns raised were not addressed.

He said, “No individual, religious group or ethnic community should conduct itself in a manner that threatens the peace, security or coexistence of others within the Nigerian context. No one is above the law, regardless of religion, tribe or status.”

Similarly, Olamide Abdullahi questioned the monarch’s alleged conduct, arguing that leadership required respect for the beliefs and rights of others.

However, some Nigerians faulted the government’s approach, warning against the possibility of using official powers to intimidate traditional rulers.

Sodiq Akinyele said while he supported religious tolerance, the government must establish any alleged wrongdoing and follow due process rather than resorting to measures that could be perceived as intimidation.

He said, “A monarch is also a citizen with constitutional rights. The government must be careful not to turn legitimate concerns about religious harmony into an excuse to silence people or interfere in traditional institutions. The law must apply equally to everyone, not selectively.”

Yusuf Lawal also cautioned the government against turning its disagreement with the traditional ruler into an attempt to intimidate him, insisting that any alleged breach of the law should be handled through established legal procedures.

Tokunbo Daniel, on his part, questioned why the government issued a formal warning instead of first inviting the monarch for dialogue.

He said, “Peace is better achieved through engagement than threats.”

Another Facebook user, Funmilayo Balogun, called for mutual respect among religious groups, stressing that religious tolerance must be reciprocal and that nobody should be allowed to attack another person’s beliefs or deny others their right to express concerns about religious practices.