Amid escalating tensions following the celebration of the Isese festival, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a strong warning against any further religious conflicts within the state. The event had ignited a dispute between the Traditional Religious Worshippers Association of Nigeria and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi.
To address the situation urgently, Governor Adeleke has dispatched his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, to Iwo, with the aim of facilitating discussions between the involved parties. The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, conveyed the governor’s directive in an official statement.
Rasheed explained that he had already engaged with various stakeholders, both present and remote, including those within the Oluwo’s palace and the absent monarch himself via telephone. Additionally, he spoke with traditionalists who expressed their intent to gather in Iwoland for a protest against the Oluwo’s restrictions on their religious practices.
“I was sent here by Mr. Governor’s order. Even though Kabiyesi, Oluwo, is away, he has assured me that peace and security will be maintained,” assured Rasheed. He further emphasized that any entity disturbing the state’s tranquility would face security interventions, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence.
Rasheed conveyed the message that traditionalists should be able to conduct their activities without any hindrance, as long as they adhere to the laws in place. He quoted, “The Governor has also declared Monday, November 21st, as a public holiday to honor the 2023 Isese Day Festival.”
Notably, the situation deteriorated when Oba Akanbi openly expressed his intolerance for traditional worship within Iwo town. During his reign, he even ordered the townspeople to apprehend individuals engaging in rituals from the ancient religion.
In response, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, the president of the Traditional Religious Worshippers Association of Nigeria, affirmed that traditionalists would resist bowing to the Oluwo’s demands. The governor’s intervention seeks to defuse tensions and restore harmony within the state.
