Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has dismissed reports linking a security group in his domain to terrorism, warning against the spread of false information about the town.
The royal father’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, obtained in Osogbo on Monday. Oba Akanbi was responding to claims that the Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen, a religious group based in Iwo, operated a terrorist network.
“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, promoted by the activities of Jaysu Security Network, an annex of Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen under the leadership of Sheik Dahood Imran Molaasan,” the Oluwo said.
Oba Akanbi described Molaasan as an international figure who has successfully carried out global assignments and contributed to education through scholarships, as well as the establishment of over 40 schools in Iwo, including the College of Education and orphanage homes.
“No terrorist can enter Iwo. Iwo is peaceful,” he added. He further stated that the Jaysu Security Network operates closely with the police to apprehend criminals, and stressed that movement in the town is unrestricted at all hours.
The monarch also threatened legal action against those spreading false stories online. “Those peddling such unfounded stories are social media terrorists and bandits. Necessary actions shall be taken against them,” he said.
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The statement followed recent attention on a video of a rally in Iwo supporting Palestine, in which Sheik Daood Imran was seen leading a crowd holding Palestinian flags. The Department of State Security (DSS) had invited Imran for clarification over the video.
Lookman Adeboje, Media Coordinator of the Tawu’un Movement, confirmed that Imran honoured the DSS invitation but denied that he was detained. “We were invited for clarification on the video and the Palestinian flags. Sheikh Molasan was not detained; he is in his house in Iwo,” Adeboje said.
The rally and subsequent video had generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users calling for an investigation into the motives behind the gathering.
Oba Akanbi reiterated that the report was a deliberate attempt to undermine the town’s security network and misrepresent the peaceful nature of Iwo.