Oluwo Sounds the Alarm: Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Osun–Oyo Land Conflict

Table of Contents

• Concerns Over Communal Clash
• Monarch's Statement
• Warning of Escalation
• Residents' Reactions
• Historical Context
• Appeal for Intervention
• Conclusion

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has expressed concerns regarding a potential communal clash between Osun and Oyo states due to ongoing boundary disputes.

In a statement released on Wednesday through his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch claimed that there were intentions to transfer portions of Osun State land near the Iwo axis to the Lagelu community in Oyo State.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent committee to investigate the situation.

The traditional ruler cautioned that inaction could heighten tensions among the communities in the affected regions.

“There are signs of an agreement to cede part of Osun State in the Iwo area to Lagelu in Oyo State, a scenario that may incite further civil unrest in the impacted villages,” the Oluwo stated.

He emphasized that immediate action is needed to prevent a crisis between the two neighboring states, adding, “There is a secret plan to infringe upon the ancestral rights of the people of Iwo land.”

Oba Akanbi noted that residents of the affected villages have already voiced their frustration over previous altercations.

“As a responsible leader to the sons and daughters of Iwo land, I would find it exceedingly difficult to console the victims of injustice,” he remarked.

The monarch recalled an incident in April when three individuals reportedly lost their lives during confrontations with land grabbers from Offa and Lagelu.

“The families of the victims and residents of the affected villages in Iwo land plan to seek revenge,” he indicated.

According to him, the aggrieved families approached him for guidance, and he advised them to pursue legal remedies rather than resorting to violence.

“I assured them of an impartial report from the National Boundary Commission. They heeded my advice,” he stated.

However, he expressed concern regarding the management of boundary documents by authorities, saying, “The evidence suggests that all historical documents and evidence from Osun State have been lost. If documents are unaccounted for, the committee has the right to request additional copies from us.”

Oba Akanbi asserted that the affected villages are historically part of Osun State, referencing public facilities and polling units in the region.

“The people of Iwo are the rightful owners of the affected villages. They have their schools, hospitals, and other public amenities, as well as voting units marked as Osun State. It would be an act of national treason to forcibly reassign them to another state,” he added.

The traditional ruler appealed to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for prompt intervention and urged state authorities and security personnel to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

While reiterating his confidence in the federal government’s capacity to resolve the issue and expressing hope for a transparent investigation that addresses the concerns of Iwo land residents, he stressed that only swift governmental action could avert escalation of tensions and maintain peace in the communities along the disputed boundary.