According to a report by the Punch on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has rejected attempts to associate banditry with Islam, insisting that criminal activities should never be used to define an entire religion. He urged Nigerians to avoid religious stereotyping when discussing insecurity.
The traditional ruler said those involved in banditry do not reflect the teachings or values of Islam, stressing that criminals should be identified by their actions rather than by assumed religious affiliations.
Speaking on the issue, Oba Akanbi said, “Real Muslims are not bandits. You cannot see a mosque in the den of bandits.” He argued that the absence of Islamic worship and practices in the camps of bandits shows they should not be regarded as representatives of the Muslim faith.
He also explained that wearing turbans or speaking Arabic should not be interpreted as evidence that a person is a Muslim, noting that both are common among people of different cultures and religions, particularly in desert regions and Arabic-speaking countries.
According to the monarch, linking banditry to Islam unfairly damages the image of millions of peaceful Muslims who have no connection with criminal activities. He maintained that insecurity should be addressed as a law enforcement issue rather than a religious one.
Oba Akanbi therefore called on Nigerians to stop profiling Islam whenever cases of banditry are reported. He also urged the government to take firm action against individuals who deliberately use social media platforms to spread narratives capable of promoting religious hatred and division……See More
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