A fresh dispute has erupted over the boundary between Ibadan and Iwo, following a declaration by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), that the Oba River serves as the historical boundary between the two communities.
Speaking through the Ekerin Olubadan, His Royal Majesty Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen, during an emergency meeting on Friday with Obas, Mogajis, and Baales from the boundary areas, the Olubadan stressed that the Oba River has traditionally marked the limit between Ibadan in Oyo State and Iwo in Osun State.
“I seriously warn land expansionists, land grabbers, and other trespassers to vacate forcefully acquired Ibadan land without delay,” the Olubadan cautioned.
He further emphasized that Ibadan’s culture of peaceful coexistence should not be mistaken for weakness, quoting a Yoruba proverb: “Yiyo ekun bi t’ojo ko” — meaning, “The calmness of a tiger is not fear.”
The monarch charged traditional leaders in the affected areas to safeguard the territorial integrity of Ibadan and resist any encroachment. He also called on them to support the Olubadan Palace and the Oyo State Government in reclaiming lands allegedly seized by encroachers.
Present at the meeting were the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator) Sarafadeen Abiodun Ali, alongside other Obas, Mogajis, and Baales.
However, in a swift reaction, the Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, refuted the Olubadan’s claim, describing it as “false, incoherent, and a blatant distortion of facts.”
According to a statement issued through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oluwo argued that the recognized boundary between Iwo and Ibadan is Papa Ebira, as officially demarcated on maps during the creation of Osun State in 1991.
He criticized the Olubadan’s statement as an act of contempt against ongoing efforts by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Nigeria Police, led by AIG Zone XI, Emuobo Fred Ekokotu, who had recently called for calm and ordered both parties to maintain the status quo.
“It is inappropriate to make unilateral pronouncements while the issue is before the National Boundary Commission,” Oluwo stated. “Such remarks undermine the federal authorities’ intervention and risk fueling unnecessary tension.”
Oluwo maintained that the affected villages—Paku, Ogunajo, Oloola Molamu, Papa, Tifede, and Ejemu—are historically part of Iwo, with established Osun State facilities and polling units.
“For the record, Papa Ebira is the boundary between Iwo and Ibadan, clearly defined since 1991,” he said. “The disputed villages have been ancestral properties of Iwo even before the establishment of Ibadan. There has never been any historical conflict where Iwo lost land to Ibadan.”
Oluwo called for patience and cooperation from all stakeholders, stressing that peace must prevail.
“No one is above the law,” he concluded. “Let us allow the government and its agencies to resolve the dispute peacefully. Peace is priceless and must be preserved.”
