The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has declared that Iwo town has no claim over the disputed boundary area, arguing that the Oba River has been the long-established boundary between the city of Ibadan and Iwo town.
The Olubadan made the declaration at an emergency meeting of Obas, Mogajis, and Baales from the boundary areas of Ibadan and Iwo, held in the committee room at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Speaking through the Ekerin Olubadan, His Royal Majesty Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen, the Olubadan emphasized that the boundary between Ibadan in Oyo State and Iwo in Osun State has always been the Oba River, dating back to time immemorial.
“I seriously warn land expansionists, land grabbers, and other trespassers to vacate the forcefully acquired Ibadan land without further delay, in their own interests,” the Olubadan warned.
“The established fact that Ibadan people are lovers of peaceful co-existence and are therefore accommodating should not be taken for granted or misinterpreted as cowardice — Yiyo ekun bi t’ojo ko” (The threat of a tiger is not the same as rain), the Olubadan further asserted.
The monarch admonished the Obas, Mogajis, and Baales in the affected areas to protect their territorial integrity and ensure that ownership of Ibadan land is not compromised. He categorically stated that trespassers should be prepared to face the consequences.
He urged traditional title holders in the Ibadan-Iwo boundary areas to give maximum support to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Oyo State Government to ensure that any land forcefully and fraudulently taken over is reclaimed.
In attendance at the meeting were the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator) Sarafadeen Abiodun Ali, other Obas, Mogajis, Baales, and several others.
In a related development, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Emuobo Fred Ekokotu, has urged members of the warring communities to embrace peace by putting an end to further destruction of lives and property or risk facing the full wrath of the law.
He stated that the police would not fold their arms and allow unscrupulous elements to continue causing havoc within the two states.
The AIG made this known during a critical peace and security meeting with traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of the state governments, local government chairmen, and other distinguished stakeholders from the affected areas within the two states.
The meeting was convened in response to the recent unrest threatening the socio-economic fabric of these historically interconnected communities.
The AIG was joined by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Oyo State, CP Johnson Oluwole Adenola, and his Osun State counterpart, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, in a decisive effort to restore lasting peace and stability to the conflict-prone communities of Ogunajo, Arijese, Ojusun, Eleyeile, and Offa Igbo, all in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, and Iwo Local Government Area in Osun State.
Addressing the gathering, AIG Ekokotu delivered a compelling appeal for peace, urging the monarchs to wield their moral authority and ancestral influence to foster unity, calm tensions, and guide their subjects toward dialogue and mutual respect. He stated, “Where violence reigns, development cannot thrive.”
He firmly noted that the purpose of the gathering was not to assign blame or adjudicate disputes, but to chart a collective course toward reconciliation, tolerance, and lasting peace. “If your people are killed and properties destroyed,” he questioned poignantly, “who then will you govern?”
Reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, AIG Ekokotu assured the communities that adequate security measures are in place to deter criminal elements who exploit unrest to perpetrate violence, destruction, and chaos. He further stated that the issue of land disputes between the two states would be left for the courts and the National Boundary Commission to decide, but other crimes like arson, murder, and related offenses would be thoroughly investigated.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Johnson Oluwole Adenola, lamented the adverse effects of the ongoing crisis on public safety and economic stability. He emphasized the need for residents to remain law-abiding and strictly adhere to warnings that any individual or group inciting further disorder would be decisively dealt with under the full weight of the law.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, expressed profound gratitude to the AIG for his timely and thoughtful intervention. He advised that the AIG should consolidate the various criminal cases from both states at the Zonal Headquarters for proper harmonization.
He emphasized that the towns are bound by deep ancestral, marital, and cultural ties and have coexisted peacefully for generations. However, he noted that opportunistic individuals have been manipulating minor disputes to incite violence and destabilize the region.
In his closing remarks, AIG Ekokotu pledged renewed efforts to ensure the swift restoration of peace, law, and order across the affected communities and promised a heavy police presence in the disputed areas.
