Oluwo of Iwo Warns Oyo and Osun Governors of Imminent Communal Crisis Due to Land Grabbing Violations
Oluwo of Iwo Warns Oyo and Osun Governors of Imminent Communal Crisis Due to Land Grabbing Violations
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, issued a warning yesterday to the Governors of Oyo and Osun states, Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke, regarding a potential communal conflict in the border towns of both states if immediate action is not taken.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch highlighted troubling incidents where land grabbers from Lagelu in Oyo State have been attacking and looting properties in Osun’s border communities. He cautioned that failure to address these issues could provoke retaliatory violence.
Oluwo described a recent assault on the people of the Oke Oba villages in Iwoland, noting the occurrence of arson and the destruction of both public and private property. He raised concerns about the displacement of teachers and students from their classrooms and the broader repercussions of continued inaction.
“Just yesterday, these land grabbers from Lagelu mobilized again for an onslaught against the people of Oke Oba villages in Iwoland. They have committed acts of arson and destroyed numerous properties,” Oluwo stated. “They have forced teachers and students from schools and inflicted significant damage on community palaces. The roof of the Oloola Molamu Oyin palace was destroyed last week, alongside vital government facilities, which have been looted and set ablaze.”
He emphasized the peaceful nature of the affected villagers and urged them to refrain from retaliatory violence, stressing that conflicts over land should not be settled through armed confrontation. “Land disputes are not resolved with guns,” he remarked, pointing out the established boundary since August 27, 1991, when Osun was carved out from the old Oyo State.
Oluwo appealed to the governors to recognize the precarious situation in the area and highlighted the importance of enforcing the recommendations of the National Boundary Commission to ensure lasting peace.
