The longstanding land boundary dispute between Iwo in Osun State and Ibadan in Oyo State has intensified, leading to violent clashes and significant displacement of residents. The conflict centers around the Ogburo community, which is part of Iwo territory.
In the past, the dispute has involved legal action, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland filing a suit over the native control of Ogburo town, currently under Iwo’s jurisdiction. However, the Federal High Court in Ibadan struck out the case, citing the National Boundary Commission’s jurisdiction over such matters.
The affected villages are Ogunajo, Paku, Ejemu, Eleye, Oloya, Ojisun, and Offa-Igbo. The people of these villages have Osun State polling units during elections. These communities have experienced destruction of property, displacement, and disruption of daily life due to the ongoing conflict.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, yesterday warned the Governors of Oyo and Osun states, Messrs. Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke, of an escalation of communal crisis in the border towns of the two states if necessary steps are not taken. The Ibadan monarchs and chiefs are also claiming that Odo Oba in Iwo is the boundary between Osun and Oyo.
