Oluwo had over the weekend rejected Olubadan’s claim that Oba river is the boundary between Ibadan and Iwo.
Oba Akanbi called the claim false and a deliberate attempt to distort facts, stir tension among land owners, and cause chaos in the affected areas.
He noted that the boundary dispute is under review by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and described Olubadan’s statement as disrespectful to the Federal Government and the efforts of AIG Zone XI, Emuobo Fred Ekokotu, who has urged both parties to maintain status quo.
The monarch advised Olubadan to respect NBC and police by avoiding comments that could escalate conflict.
Oba Akanbi further affirmed Papa Ebira as the established boundary that was officially demarcated in 1991 when Osun State was created from Oyo State. He listed affected villages like Paku, Ogunajo, Oloola Molamu, Papa, Tifede, and Ejemu as ancestral Iwo lands, with Osun State Government facilities and polling units present.
However, a statement on Monday jointly signed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of Association of Ibadan Mogajis, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the ICPI, the stakeholders decried Oluwo’s recent outbursts regarding the long-standing boundary dispute between Ibadan and Iwo at Ogburo community, labelling him “a blatant liar who has no regard for traditional institutions or civilised decorum.”
The Ibadan leaders expressed deep disappointment that the Oluwo had chosen to resort to inflammatory rhetoric rather than embracing traditional, diplomatic, and legal means to resolve the boundary matter.
“All the evidence, including court cases from time immemorial, shows Ibadan’s rightful ownership of Ogburo. The facts are undeniable: INEC’s Unit 3, Ward 11, in Lagelu Local Government is domiciled in Ogburo community — firmly within Oyo State,” the chiefs stated.
They further accused Oluwo of attempting to distort historical facts, warning that his comments could ignite unnecessary tension and conflict in the region.
The leaders demanded that he immediately retract his remarks and apologise to Olubadan, Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Ibadan land, or risk “the wrath of the ancestors.”
They cited various historical documents to back their claims, including:
Western Region Gazette V.NLN 240 (1969) listing Ogburo under Ibadan East District Council.
Population Census of Western Region (1952) placing Ogburo within Ibadan Division.
National Electoral Commission records (1979) showing Ogburo under Lagelu North, not Iwo.
Court rulings consistently affirming Ibadan’s ownership of Ogburo land.
Certificates of installation of Baales in Ogburo by successive Olubadans, not by Oluwo.
The leaders also pointed to INEC documents and boundary commission records confirming that the Oba river serves as the natural boundary between Ibadan and Iwo, emphasising that Ogburo lies west of the river, firmly in Ibadan territory.
The chiefs queried Oluwo’s authority to unilaterally redraw historical boundaries.
“Who is the Oluwo to assume the role of Director-General of the National Boundary Commission? Where was he when Osun State was created in 1991?” they asked.
They warned that by disregarding established boundaries and seeking to usurp traditional authorities, the Oluwo risked plunging the area into crisis.
Nevertheless, the Ibadan chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution, and praised the mature and statesmanlike handling of the dispute by the Olubadan and members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Calling on government and security agencies to intervene, the chiefs emphasised that a peaceful solution — respecting historical facts and existing legal documents — was essential to maintaining harmony in the region.
They concluded by urging Oba Akanbi to retrace his steps and engage in dialogue, stressing that the dignity of traditional institutions and the stability of their communities must be protected at all costs.
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