The Ọ̀sun State Government has cautioned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, over alleged inflammatory public statements capable of triggering religious tensions, inter-town disputes and threats to communal peace.
The warning was contained in a formal letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs through the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
The letter, titled “Cautionary Notes on Inflammatory Rhetorics Capable of Creating Religious and Inter-Town Conflicts,” expressed the government’s concern that recent public pronouncements attributed to the monarch could undermine peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony across the state.
The government emphasised that although every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of religion and association, traditional rulers are expected to respect the religious beliefs of their subjects, uphold the Constitution and protect the cultural values and traditions of their communities.
It specifically warned Oba Akanbi against using his traditional position or public platform to make statements capable of inciting hostility against people of other religious beliefs or encouraging communal violence.
The government further expressed concern that the alleged remarks could heighten tensions and threaten the peace, unity and stability of Osun State.
It therefore urged the monarch to exercise restraint, demonstrate responsibility and uphold the expectations of his traditional institution by promoting religious tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among residents.
The caution comes amid concerns over the role of traditional institutions in maintaining religious harmony and preventing conflicts among communities in the state.
