The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has rejected attempts to associate banditry with Islam, insisting that criminal activities should not be used to define any religion.
According to The PUNCH, the traditional ruler made the remarks on Sunday, July 12, 2026, while urging Nigerians to avoid religious stereotyping when discussing insecurity. He said those involved in banditry do not represent the teachings or values of Islam and should be judged by their actions rather than presumed religious affiliations.
“Real Muslims are not bandits. You cannot see a mosque in the den of bandits,” Oba Akanbi said, arguing that the absence of Islamic worship in bandits’ camps shows they should not be regarded as representatives of the Muslim faith.
He added that wearing turbans or speaking Arabic should not be taken as proof that a person is Muslim, noting that both are common among people of different cultures and religions, especially in desert regions and Arabic-speaking countries.
Oba Akanbi said linking banditry to Islam unfairly stigmatizes millions of peaceful Muslims and urged authorities to treat insecurity as a law enforcement issue while taking action against those who spread messages that promote religious hatred and division on social media.
