‘No terrorist in Iwo,’ Oluwo insists, warns against false reports on religious group

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has dismissed reports linking a local religious group to terrorism, insisting there is no terrorist network in his domain and warning against spreading false information about the town.

The royal father’s statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, and obtained in Osogbo on Monday, was prompted by claims that the security wing of Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen, a religious group based in Iwo, was a terrorist organisation.

Oba Akanbi described the report as “a deliberate attempt to weaken the security strength of Iwo by undermining Jaysu Security Network.” He added, “The media report of the existence of a terrorist group in Iwo is false and unfounded. Iwo remains the most peaceful town in South Western States, maintained by the activities of Jaysu Security Network, an arm of Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen under the leadership of Sheik Daood Imran Molaasan.”

The monarch highlighted the group’s positive contributions, noting that Sheik Imran has handled international assignments efficiently, provided scholarships to indigent students, and established over 40 schools and orphanage homes in Iwo over the past 20 years.

He said, “I do not know when contributing to national security and academic excellence is termed as terrorism. No terrorist can enter Iwo. Iwo is peaceful.”

Oba Akanbi also praised Jaysu Security Network for its close collaboration with the police, adding that the operatives know “the nook and cranny of everywhere” and assist in arresting hardened criminals. He emphasized that Iwo residents enjoy unrestricted movement at all hours and that rituals or sacrifices at public junctions are strictly prohibited, with the security network enforcing compliance.

“The enemies of Oluwo, Iwo, and the unbroken vigilance of Jaysu in defending Iwoland are behind these lies. It’s all lies. No bandit in Iwo, and no bandit can encroach on Iwoland,” the monarch said.

He warned that those spreading such unfounded stories would face legal action. “Those peddling fake information are social media terrorists and bandits. Necessary actions shall be taken against them for causing non-existent tension,” Oba Akanbi added.

The statement follows earlier claims that Sheik Daood Imran was invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a viral video of a rally in support of Palestine. The Tawu’un Movement in Iwo, however, clarified that Imran was not detained in connection with the video.

In the 3-minute video, Imran appears before a crowd of men, chanting in Arabic and calling for “free Palestine,” while Palestinian flags are displayed. The footage sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some calling for a probe into the rally’s motives.