Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has issued a cautionary note against religious conflicts and confrontations within the state.

His remarks followed an altercation between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Traditional Religious Worshippers Association of Nigeria concerning the celebration of the Isese festival.

According to a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor took prompt action by dispatching his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, to Iwo for immediate dialogue with both parties. Olawale emphasized that during his visit to the Oluwo’s palace, he engaged with various stakeholders and managed a telephone conversation with the monarch, who happened to be out of town at the time.

Furthermore, Olawale’s interactions extended to discussions with certain traditionalists who expressed their determination to gather in Iwoland to challenge the traditional ruler’s prohibition of traditionalists within his domain. 

“I came down on the directive of Mr Governor. I spoke with Kabiyesi, Oluwo and he promised to ensure peace and security though he is out of town. I interacted with some other traditional leaders not far from palace. 

“The message is that peaceful co-existence is a must and any group that breaches the peace of the state will have security operatives to contend with.

“We have taken all necessary security precautions. The traditionalists are free to exercise their fundamental human rights. They must act within the bound of law. The Governor has also declared Monday 21st as a public holiday to commemorate the 2023 Isese Day Festival,” he said. 

According to information obtained by Vistanaij Media the conflict arose when Oba Akanbi made a public declaration that traditional worship was unwelcome within Iwo town.

Furthermore, the traditional leader issued a directive instructing the town’s inhabitants to apprehend and present before him any person seen engaging in traditional religious practices.

Responding to this, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, the President of the Traditional Religious Worshippers Association of Nigeria, retaliated by stating that followers of traditional religions would cease to show reverence or perform obeisance before the Oluwo.