The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has raised concerns over increasing tensions between border communities in Osun and Oyo states, cautioning that a communal clash could erupt if prompt interventions are not made by both state governments.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch accused individuals from Lagelu, Oyo State, of launching forceful attacks on settlements in Osun’s border regions. He warned that continued aggression could provoke retaliation from the affected communities.
Oba Akanbi recounted a recent incident in which alleged land grabbers targeted the Oke Oba villages in Iwoland. During the attack, both public and private properties were destroyed, and teachers and students were forced to flee classrooms.
He also reported that the palace of Oloola Molamu Oyin was set on fire, and key government facilities, including a district primary school and a maternity center belonging to Osun State, were vandalized and torched. According to him, attackers removed the roofs of these buildings, looted them, and burned them down.
The monarch added that farmlands were seized, crops were stolen, and that armed individuals are still occupying the villages, threatening residents at gunpoint.
Despite the ongoing provocations, Oba Akanbi maintained that the local residents have remained peaceful. He said he has continually urged them to avoid retaliation, stressing that violent confrontation over land issues is a mark of ignorance.
He pointed out that the boundary between Osun and Oyo states has been officially established since August 27, 1991, following the creation of Osun State. He believes many of the aggressors from Lagelu are acting out of ignorance regarding this demarcation.
The Oluwo urged Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun to take swift action to de-escalate the situation. He emphasized that abiding by the National Boundary Commission’s reports is essential for maintaining lasting peace in the region.
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