The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a faith-based civil liberties organization, has condemned recent attacks on the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi, describing them as Islamophobic.
The group dismissed the allegations of marijuana use against the monarch, labeling those behind the claims as rebellious subjects, unscrupulous elements, mudslingers, and Muslim-haters. MURIC also congratulated the Oluwo on his recent victory at the Court of Appeal.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, 29th August, 2025, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The statement reads in part:
“Years after the installation of Oba Rasheed Akanbi (Telu I) as the Oluwo of Iwo, some envious individuals continue to malign him with false accusations. We believe this is the handiwork of rebellious subjects, unscrupulous elements, mudslingers, and Muslim-haters.
It is nothing but Islamophobia. Certain anti-Islam elements cannot tolerate the Oluwo’s fearless and unapologetic commitment to Islam. As the most outspoken Muslim traditional ruler in Yorubaland, his critics aim to silence him by using both mainstream and social media as tools for their malicious campaign.
We remind these agents provocateurs that their actions infringe upon the Oluwo’s Allah-given fundamental human rights. Such cyberbullying is a direct violation of Section 24(1)(a)(b) and 24(2)(a)–(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
It is on record that the Oluwo himself has publicly debunked these rumours, describing them as false, baseless, and unfounded (https://crimechannels.com/i-dont-smoke-marijuana-famous-monarch-refutes-drug-allegations/). Anyone found engaging in such defamation again may face legal consequences.
Accordingly, MURIC has directed its Osun State Chapter to collaborate with progressive groups in Iwo to monitor provocative remarks in both mainstream and social media targeted at the Oluwo. The aim is to identify and hold accountable social media rascals who peddle falsehoods, thereby instilling discipline, respect for rights, and responsibility in public discourse.
This stereotyping must stop. There are operatives of the ‘Pull-Them-Down’ (PhD) syndrome in this country who thrive on profiling successful Muslims. They will have MURIC to contend with first. As an Islamic human rights organization, it is our duty to defend Muslims against persecution.
To His Royal Highness, the Oluwo of Iwo (Telu I), we say: Keep up the excellent work. Continue to lead your subjects with sincerity and faith. Your detractors are distractions remain steadfast in your service to Allah and loyal to the Nigerian nation. May the crown remain on your head, the beads around your neck, the horsetail in your hand, and the queens in your palace until your last day.
We also take this opportunity to congratulate the Oluwo on his recent victory at the Court of Appeal.”
