The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has raised the alarm over a potential communal clash between Osun and Oyo states due to unresolved boundary disputes.

In a statement issued Wednesday via his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch alleged that there were moves to cede parts of Osun State land around the Iwo axis to the Lagelu community in Oyo State. He called on President Bola Tinubu to constitute an independent committee of enquiry to address the matter and prevent escalation.

“There are indicators of a compromise to cede part of Osun State in Iwo axis to Lagelu in Oyo State, a situation that may trigger another civil unrest in the affected villages,” Oba Akanbi said. He stressed that urgent intervention was necessary to protect the ancestral birthrights of Iwo land residents.

The Oluwo referenced past clashes, including an April incident where three people were reportedly killed during confrontations involving land disputes between Offa and Lagelu communities. He noted that aggrieved families had approached him, and he advised them to seek legal redress rather than resort to violence.

Oba Akanbi also raised concerns about the handling of boundary documents, warning that historical evidence from Osun State appeared to have been misplaced. “If documents are missing, the committee has a right to request other copies from us,” he added.

Highlighting that the affected villages historically belong to Osun State, he noted that public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and polling units in the area bear Osun State identity. “It would be a national treason to force them into another state,” he stressed.

The monarch appealed to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene promptly and urged state authorities and security operatives to prevent any breakdown of law and order. He also expressed confidence in the federal government’s ability to resolve the dispute transparently.

Oba Akanbi concluded by emphasizing that only swift governmental action could avert tensions and ensure lasting peace along the disputed boundary.