The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has refuted claims that Odo Oba (Oba River) marks the boundary between Ibadan and Iwo.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi described the assertion allegedly originating from the Olubadan’s palace as a misrepresentation of historical facts.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Olakulehin, had previously stated that Odo Oba served as the boundary separating Ibadan from Iwo, amid ongoing tensions between both communities.
Oba Akanbi warned that the claim could provoke unrest among residents of the disputed areas and disrupt current peace-building efforts.
He said, “No one has the right to make such a pronouncement when the matter is before the National Boundary Commission. Such a statement is synonymous with contempt of the Federal Government and a sabotage on the effort of the AIG Zone XI, Emuobo Fred Ekokotu, who has intervened and invited the two parties to respect the status quo.”
He added that several villages, including Paku, Ogunajo, Oloola Molamu, Papa, Tifede, and Ejemu, remain ancestral properties of Iwo, with established Osun State Government facilities and polling units.
“I read the statement credited to Olubadan palace, Oba Akinloye Olakulehin, that Oba River is the boundary of Iwo with Ibadan, with dismay, coming at a critical moment when the AIG Zone XI, Emuobo Fred Ekokotu, is making concerted efforts to restore peace at the affected villages,” Oba Akanbi said.
He further stated, “As a peace-loving father to the nation, I calmed the people of these villages. I encouraged them to respect the decision of the AIG and await the report of the National Boundary Commission.”
Oba Akanbi reiterated, “For record purposes, Papa Ebira is the boundary of Iwo with Ibadan, well demarcated in the map since 1991 when Osun was carved out of Oyo State.”
The monarch also emphasised that the disputed villages are ancestral to Iwo, predating the establishment of Ibadan itself, and noted there had been no historical conquest of land between the two communities.
He said, “Leaders of most of the warlords who fought for Ibadan hailed from Iwo. Balogun Ali Iwo, Ogunmola, Oderinlo and a few others migrated from Iwo to Ibadan.”
Oba Akanbi called for all parties involved to remain law-abiding, stating, “No one is greater than the government. We should allow the government to do their job. Peace is priceless and should be promoted.”
The Oluwo urged cooperation with the government to achieve a lasting resolution to the boundary dispute.
