An Islamic cleric and ally of the Oluwo of Iwo, Sheikh Dawud Imran, has threatened to mobilise his supporters to shut down Osogbo, the Osun State capital, if the state government issues another warning to the monarch, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi.
Imran, who is the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland and leader of the Tawu’un Movement, made the threat during a sermon delivered at a Friday Jumu’ah service. A video of the sermon was subsequently shared on a Facebook page bearing his title.
The cleric warned that his supporters would occupy Osogbo and prevent vehicles from moving in the city until a state of emergency was declared if the government sent another caution letter to the monarch.
He maintained that although the government could continue monitoring the Oluwo, the monarch would not stop speaking against what he described as idolatry.
Imran also argued that the government had the authority to remove a traditional ruler, but insisted that citizens equally had the right to vote out elected officials. He said any attempt to remove the Oluwo would be challenged through the courts and at the ballot box.
The cleric further stated that the monarch’s supporters would pursue legal action through the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court if necessary, adding that the case could continue until the end of the current administration.
The threat follows a warning issued by the Osun State Government to the Oluwo over remarks it said could heighten religious and communal tensions.
In a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the government cautioned the monarch against making statements or engaging in conduct capable of provoking religious conflict or confrontation with other traditional rulers. It also directed him to respect the beliefs of other faiths and preserve the cultural values represented by his throne.
The government said it would monitor the monarch’s compliance with the directives, while the State Council of Obas was also asked to pay attention to developments in Iwo.
The controversy is linked to the longstanding disagreement between the Oluwo and other traditional figures, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the monarch’s public criticism of Yoruba traditional religious practices.
The cleric’s latest threat has added another dimension to the dispute, raising concerns about the possibility of public protests and disruption in Osogbo if the disagreement escalates.
Post a Comment