Oluwo of Iwo’s ‘Sons of the Soil’ Remark on Fulani Herders Sparks Nationwide Uproar

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The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has triggered a storm of reactions across Nigeria after publicly describing many Fulani herders living in Iwo as “sons of the soil,” a statement that has reignited debate over security, ethnicity, and the role of traditional rulers in fostering peace.

The controversial monarch made the declaration during a security meeting with Fulani herders from Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area of Osun State on June 11. The gathering was convened to strengthen cooperation between residents and herding communities, encourage intelligence sharing, and promote peaceful coexistence amid growing security concerns in parts of the country.

Addressing the meeting, the Oluwo urged residents to avoid stereotyping Fulani herders, insisting that many families have lived in Iwo for generations and should not be judged by the actions of a criminal few.

“Many Fulani in Iwo are sons of the soil,” the monarch said, stressing the need for unity and collaboration in tackling insecurity.

Oba Akanbi also challenged long-held traditional beliefs during his remarks, questioning claims of supernatural powers often associated with traditional worship and spiritual practices.

“Anyone who claims there is anything like our forefathers’ power or a Babalawo who has mysterious power should come forward and help us address and eliminate the issue of banditry, not just in Yorubaland but in Nigeria, if it is not all a lie,” he stated.

His comments quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing thousands of reactions from Nigerians with sharply divided opinions.

The statement comes at a particularly sensitive time as Nigeria continues to grapple with the consequences of farmer-herder conflicts that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced communities across several states over the past decade. While some observers view the monarch’s outreach as a bold attempt to build trust and strengthen community relations, others argue that it risks trivialising the fears and concerns of farming communities affected by insecurity.

Adding to the controversy, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was reported to have criticised the pace of development in Iwo, suggesting that the town requires greater infrastructural attention.

“Iwo is like a village. They don’t have any development. Every day their King, Oluwo of Iwo, will be inspecting the road and walking majestically,” the governor reportedly said.

The governor’s remarks further fueled online discussions, with many Nigerians linking the development challenges in the ancient town to the ongoing public disagreements involving the monarch.

Among the prominent voices reacting to the latest controversy was Babatunde Gbadamosi, who reportedly criticised the Oluwo’s stance and questioned his suitability for traditional leadership.

Social media users also weighed in heavily on the issue.

One user wrote, “This is unbelievable. Instead of protecting his people, he is adopting the very group causing tension in many communities. Oluwo has lost touch with reality.”

Another commenter said, “Calling them sons of the soil while farmers are struggling with insecurity across the country is bound to raise questions.”

Others defended the monarch’s position.

“Not all Fulani herders are criminals. We cannot continue to condemn an entire ethnic group because of the actions of a few bad elements,” one supporter wrote.

Another user added, “Dialogue is better than hostility. If traditional rulers can bring communities together and improve intelligence gathering, that should be encouraged.”

The latest controversy is the newest chapter in a series of public debates involving the Oluwo, who has repeatedly made headlines over his outspoken views on culture, religion, traditional institutions and governance.

As discussions continue to dominate social media and public discourse, many Nigerians remain divided over whether the monarch’s comments represent a courageous call for unity or an insensitive intervention at a time when concerns over insecurity remain high.

With emotions running high on both sides of the debate, the incident has once again highlighted the complex challenges of balancing community integration, security concerns and ethnic relations in a diverse nation like Nigeria.