The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has sounded a warning to the governors of Osun and Oyo States—Ademola Adeleke and Seyi Makinde—over a brewing communal crisis along the states’ border communities.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch accused land grabbers from Lagelu in Oyo State of repeated attacks on villages in Osun’s Iwo region.
He claimed the attackers have been destroying properties, looting, and intimidating residents, which could spark retaliatory violence if not addressed.
“Just yesterday, these land grabbers mobilized for another assault on Oke Oba villages in Iwoland,” Oluwo said.
“They’ve set fire to both public and private properties, driven students and teachers from schools, and destroyed the palaces of some local chiefs.
Last week, the palace of Oloola Molamu Oyin was razed.”
He further stated that facilities belonging to Osun State—such as schools and maternity centers—have been vandalized.
“They removed the roofs, looted, and burned down buildings.
Farms have been seized and produce stolen at gunpoint. Armed thugs are still stationed in these villages.”
While emphasizing the peaceful nature of the affected communities, the monarch urged residents to avoid retaliation.
“I always discourage reprisal attacks.
Land disputes shouldn’t be settled with violence.
Only the ignorant resort to weapons over boundary issues.”
He referenced the 1991 boundary demarcation that separated Osun from the old Oyo State, stressing it remains valid and should not be altered.
Oluwo appealed to both governors to act swiftly. “Peace can only be sustained through the implementation of the National Boundary Commission’s recommendations,” he said.