A human rights group, Tawunu Human Rights Initiative has dragged the Osun State Government before the Federal High Court, Osogbo, over alleged interference with the freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi.

The group, which says it is suing in the public interest and on behalf of persons whose fundamental rights are threatened, filed the suit marked FHC/OS/CS/205/2026 through its counsel, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Musa Yusuf.

The suit, dated November 6, 2026, lists the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney-General of Osun State and the Oluwo as respondents.

The legal action comes amid controversy surrounding the state government’s letter to the monarch over his comments on traditional religious practices.

Among other reliefs, the applicant is asking the court to declare that the Oluwo’s rights to freedom of religion, conscience and expression are constitutionally protected under Sections 38 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

It also wants the court to declare that the state government has no inherent authority to censor or restrict the monarch’s personal religious, philosophical and cultural opinions simply because they are considered controversial or inconsistent with prevailing traditional practices.

Furthermore, the group is seeking perpetual injunctions restraining the Commissioner and the Attorney-General from intimidating, threatening, sanctioning or interfering with the monarch’s constitutionally guaranteed rights.

It is also asking the court to compel the government to withdraw any administrative directive restricting the Oluwo’s opinions without lawful justification and to prevent punitive action against him over his views.

The suit relies on provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.

The court is yet to determine the claims or grant the reliefs being sought. No hearing date was indicated in the originating motion.