Oluwo Advised to Exercise Restraint, Emotional Intelligence Amid Osun Govt Controversy

Public analyst, Lukman Raimi, urges monarch to embrace diplomacy, strengthen ties with government, prioritise peaceful coexistence and community development

A public analyst, Lukman Raimi, has advised the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, to exercise emotional intelligence, strategic caution and restraint in his public engagements amid the controversy surrounding a reported cautionary letter issued to the monarch by the Osun State Government.

Raimi, who offered the advice in a public commentary, said the traditional ruler should avoid unnecessary verbal confrontations and adopt a more diplomatic approach in addressing issues capable of generating tension between the palace, the government and members of the public.

The analyst noted that the reported letter from the Osun State Government had generated mixed reactions, with some people welcoming the government’s intervention while others, particularly supporters of the monarch, expressed disagreement.

However, he said he belonged to neither camp, explaining that his intervention was intended to offer constructive advice to the monarch rather than take sides in the controversy.

According to him, understanding the relationship between traditional institutions and government authorities is essential to preserving the dignity and influence of the throne.

Raimi pointed out that state governments exercise statutory responsibilities over the appointment, recognition, regulation and remuneration of traditional rulers, subject to applicable laws.

He therefore urged the Oluwo to recognise the limits of traditional authority while appreciating the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of government.

Religious Convictions and Royal Restraint

Addressing the religious and cultural dimensions of the controversy, the analyst acknowledged that differences surrounding religion and cultural identity had generated tensions in parts of Yorubaland, including Iwo.

He maintained that the Oluwo had every fundamental right to affirm and practise his Islamic faith, stressing that the monarch should not be expected to apologise for his religious convictions.

Raimi also acknowledged that some critics of the monarch’s Islamic beliefs had allegedly resorted to provocative comments and derogatory remarks.

Nevertheless, he argued that such provocations should not compel a traditional ruler to engage in prolonged public exchanges or respond to every criticism.

Describing himself as a proud Muslim, Raimi said he admired the Oluwo’s commitment to Islam but believed that frequent public responses, the use of street slang and prolonged verbal exchanges were inconsistent with Islamic etiquette and the dignity expected of a traditional ruler.

He urged the monarch to demonstrate that religious commitment, cultural appreciation and peaceful coexistence could exist side by side.

‘A King Must Not Fight Like a Servant’

To reinforce his argument, Raimi invoked two Yoruba expressions which, according to him, capture the expectations of royal conduct.

He quoted the saying, “Oba kì í jagun bí ẹrú,” meaning that a king does not fight battles like a servant.

He also cited the expression, “Oluwo kò ṣe wò!” to emphasise the importance and dignity of the Oluwo’s throne.

The analyst argued that kingship comes with responsibilities that require wisdom, composure and the ability to rise above personal disagreements.

He further referenced prominent traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Ilorin, the Emir of Kano, the Ooni of Ife, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Oba of Benin, as examples of monarchs whose public engagements, in his view, demonstrate the importance of measured communication.

According to Raimi, prominent traditional rulers often face criticism and insults but generally refrain from responding to every provocation because of the dignity associated with their offices.

He maintained that the Oluwo could protect his royal image and strengthen his influence by adopting a similar approach to public communication.

Analyst Recommends Meeting With Osun Governor

Beyond urging restraint, Raimi recommended that the Oluwo consider paying courtesy visits to the Osun State Governor and the Commissioner responsible for Chieftaincy Affairs.

He described such visits as important diplomatic gestures that could demonstrate institutional respect and a willingness to pursue constructive engagement.

According to him, direct engagement with government officials could help strengthen relationships, clarify possible misunderstandings, address misleading information and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

He suggested that rather than allowing disagreements to escalate through public exchanges, the palace should explore diplomatic channels capable of producing lasting understanding between the traditional institution and the state government.

Calls for Greater Focus on Community Development

Raimi also urged the monarch to devote greater attention to initiatives that would improve the welfare and development of people in Iwoland.

He specifically highlighted peaceful coexistence, charitable interventions, children’s mentorship, youth empowerment, support for widows and sustainable community development as areas deserving greater attention from the palace.

He advised the Oluwo to reposition himself as an ambassador of Islam, a proponent of the positive aspects of Yoruba culture, a father to all and a servant leader.

The analyst said the monarch had an opportunity to demonstrate that Islamic convictions, respect for Yoruba heritage and peaceful coexistence were not mutually exclusive.

He added that sustained commitment to these ideals would strengthen the Oluwo’s public image, enhance his royal legacy and elevate his standing beyond temporary controversies.

‘Royalty Must Be Defended With Wisdom’

Concluding his intervention, Raimi prayed for Allah’s guidance, patience and wisdom for the Oluwo, expressing hope that the monarch would enjoy a peaceful reign.

He also expressed confidence in the monarch’s personal appeal, ending his message with a humorous compliment about his handsome appearance.

“Long live the Oluwo! Long live Iwoland!” he declared.

His intervention comes amid continuing public discussions about the relationship between traditional institutions, religious identity and government authority in Osun State, with the analyst urging the Oluwo to embrace diplomacy and community-focused leadership as a means of strengthening his reign.

Oluwo Advised to Exercise Restraint, Emotional Intelligence Amid Osun Govt Controversy

‘Attacking Referee Before Match’: Shehu Sani Reacts to Nigerians’ Confrontation With INEC Chairman in UK

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condemned the reported harassment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, by a group of Nigerians in the United Kingdom.

Sani’s reaction followed the circulation of a viral video showing Nigerians confronting the electoral commission’s chairman during his visit to the UK, sparking reactions across social media.

The incident has also generated discussions about how public officeholders should be held accountable, particularly when they travel outside the country.

Reacting in a post on his official X account on Friday, Sani questioned why the INEC chairman would be intimidated over an election that had yet to take place.

He likened the conduct of the protesters to the activities of political thugs in Nigeria who disrupt public gatherings, insult people and resort to intimidation.

Sani wrote: “What is the point in intimidating and harassing the INEC chairman in London for an election that is yet to be held?

“What is the difference between their actions and those of thugs who gatecrash, insult and molest others here at home?”

The former senator also expressed concern that the incident could further damage Nigeria’s image internationally, particularly amid negative perceptions of Nigerians in some foreign countries.

He questioned whether such footage was what Nigerians wanted the international community to see, adding that confronting the electoral umpire before the election was equivalent to attacking a referee before a football match.

The confrontation occurred on Thursday, November 12, outside Chatham House in London, where Amupitan had participated in a discussion on Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The protesters reportedly surrounded the vehicle conveying the INEC chairman, demanding that he address their concerns over alleged irregularities in the preliminary voters’ register.

They reportedly raised issues including suspected duplicate registrations, artificial intelligence-generated photographs and alleged questionable polling units, while calling for greater transparency in the electoral process.

Amupitan remained inside the vehicle as the protesters shouted and demanded that he come out to address them.

The incident has generated widespread reactions, with renewed debate over electoral accountability, the independence of INEC and the appropriate ways of expressing public grievances.

‘Attacking Referee Before Match’: Shehu Sani Reacts to Nigerians’ Confrontation With INEC Chairman in UK

Tragedy: Woman, Four Children Die in Horrific Kaduna Expressway Crash

KADUNA, Nigeria — Tragedy has struck a family following a fatal road accident along the Jere–Kaduna Expressway, claiming the lives of a woman and her four children.

The heartbreaking incident has thrown relatives, friends and members of the community into mourning, with many expressing shock over the devastating loss.

According to reports, the woman and her four children died in the crash, which reportedly wiped out five members of the same family in a single tragedy.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident, including the exact time it occurred and its possible cause, remain sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

The incident was confirmed by individuals close to the family, including one Idris Abdulkarim, while tributes and condolence messages have continued to pour in following news of their deaths.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the dangers associated with road travel and the need for motorists to exercise caution on major highways.

As of the time of publication, further details about the victims’ identities and the circumstances surrounding the crash were yet to be officially established.

Tragedy: Woman, Four Children Die in Horrific Kaduna Expressway Crash