Osun Government Cautions Oluwo of Iwo Over Alleged Inflammatory Statements, Warns Against Religious Tension
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
The Osun State Government has cautioned the Oluwo of Iwo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, over public statements allegedly capable of creating religious tension, inter-town conflicts and disrupting communal peace.
The caution was contained in a letter issued through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Office of the Permanent Secretary, and addressed directly to the traditional ruler.
In the letter titled “Cautionary Notes on Inflammatory Rhetorics Capable of Creating Religious and Inter-Town Conflicts,” the government expressed concern that some recently published statements and pronouncements attributed to the monarch could threaten peaceful coexistence among residents.
The government acknowledged the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of religion and association, stressing that traditional rulers are expected to respect the religious beliefs of their subjects and avoid actions capable of provoking religious crises.
It further warned that traditional institutions should serve as instruments for preserving cultural values, promoting unity and maintaining peace rather than encouraging division or hostility among people of different faiths.
The government also expressed concern that the alleged statements could undermine the traditional values of Yoruba society and pose a threat to peace and stability in Osun State.
The development has drawn attention to the responsibilities of traditional institutions in promoting religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and harmony within their respective communities.
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