Oluwo Warns of Imminent Border War Between Osun and Oyo

Iwo, Osun State – The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has issued a stark warning about a brewing crisis along the Osun and Oyo state border, urging immediate intervention from both state governments to avert potential communal clashes.

In a press statement released today through his media aide, Alli Ibraheem, the prominent traditional ruler detailed alarming incidents of forceful invasion and attacks allegedly perpetrated by individuals from Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State on Osun border communities.

Oba Akanbi highlighted a recent violent episode where suspected land grabbers allegedly launched a coordinated assault on the residents of Oke Oba villages in Iwoland. He reported widespread destruction of both private and public property, including the disruption of classes as students and teachers were forced to flee for their safety.

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The Oluwo further revealed alleged acts of arson, including the complete razing of the palace of Oloola Molamu Oyin. He also lamented the vandalism of vital government facilities owned by Osun State, such as a district primary school and a maternity centre, where roofs were reportedly removed, the structures looted, and subsequently set ablaze.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Oba Akanbi alleged that farmlands had been forcibly taken over and harvested, with armed individuals reportedly maintaining a presence in the affected communities.
Despite these serious provocations, the Oluwo commended the peace-loving nature of the affected Osun residents, stating that he has consistently appealed to them to resist the urge for retaliatory attacks. He strongly condemned the use of violence in resolving land disputes, labeling it as the recourse of the uninformed.

Oba Akanbi firmly reminded all parties that the boundary between Osun and Oyo states has been clearly demarcated since August 27, 1991, when Osun State was officially created from the former Oyo State. He suggested that misinformation might be fueling the aggression from some individuals in Lagelu who may be unaware of this established boundary.

The monarch made a passionate appeal to the Governors of Oyo and Osun States, Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke, respectively, to take swift and decisive action to de-escalate the escalating tensions and prevent further deterioration of the situation. He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through strict adherence to the reports and directives issued by the National Boundary Commission.