The Mogajis in Ibadanland, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Oba’s, Baale’s, and Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI) has lambasted the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, for his recent outburst against the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, over the long-standing boundary dispute between Ibadan and Iwo at the Ogburo community.
The stakeholders described Oluwo as a blatant lier who has no regards for traditional institutions, sane and sensible environment.
A statement by President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji, Asimiyu Ariori and ICPI Coordinator, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade argue that the Oluwo’s remarks were disrespectful and provocative, undermining the revered Olubadan’s throne.
The duo expressed disappointment that the Oluwo would resort to insults rather than seeking a traditional , diplomatic and legal resolution to the boundary issue.
They emphasized that the Ogburo dispute requires calm sensible and constructive dialogue, not inflammatory rhetoric.
The chiefs called on the Oluwo to retract his statements and apologize to the Olubadan , Olubadan in council and the good people of Ibadanland, or face the wrath of the ancestors.
“All the evidence including court cases from time immemorial showing Ibadan triumphant against Iwo over Ogburo boundary is there for people to see. INEC Unit 3, Ward 11 in Lagelu local government in domicile in Ogburo community, which makes their votes belong to Oyo State.
“The Police authority in Oyo state as well as including zone 11Police commands has established that the boundary is full of illegal mining activities by allegedly by the Iwo people, on that basis, they are chasing away Ibadan people away from there homes and farmland.
“We have in on a good authority that only the Olubadan of Ibadanland has been the only monarch installing the real Ologburo from time immemorial.”
According to them, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, a highly respected traditional ruler, has been at the center of efforts to resolve the Ogburo boundary dispute through peaceful means, not minding the aggressive and transgressive efforts been embarked upon by Oluwo since he was enthroned.
The Ibadan chiefs praised the Kabiyesi Olubadan’s approach, the efforts of Otun Olubadan, His Royal Majesty and Excellency, Oba Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja and other members of Olubadan in council highlighting their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
They urged the Oluwo to follow a similar path, prioritizing dialogue, traditional approach and cooperation over confrontation.
The Ibadan Chiefs warned that the Oluwo’s comments could exacerbate the situation, leading to further conflict and instability.
“Who is Oluwo to assume the position of the Director General of the National Boundary commission to shift the boundary from Odo Oba to Papa? Where was he when Osun state was created in 1991? Was he the one that created a new map after the Osun state was created?
“All records and Map before and after the creation of Osun state indicated that Odo Oba still remains the natural common boundary between the two states. Oyo state as the Father of Osun State has all the records intact. Ibadanland remain the Grand father of Iwo by all ramifications
“Why are we not having any problem along the Ikire axis where the Asejire river remains the common Natural boundary. Why is it that the same river links at Odo Oba will now be rejected by Oluwo and his people as a common natural boundary at the Iwo axis?
The Chiefs however have called on government and relevant authorities to intervene in the dispute, urging a swift resolution that respects the rights and interests of both communities.
They emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution, one that prioritizes the well-being and security of the people living in the Ogburo community and beyond.
The chiefs however backed up with their claims with documentary evidence which goes thus:
“Western Region Gazette V.NLN 240 of 1969 Ogburo was in lbadan East District Council not in the then Iwo D.C , Western Nigeria Gazette 46, Vol 10 of 10th august 1961 – Ogburo in Ibadan East District Council.
“Late Baale of Ogburo, Chief Lawani Adio Bankole, installed by Olubadan of Ibadanland as the Ogburo traditional leader.
“Iwo District Council did not have Ogburo or Ologburo on its Map or Local Government, W.RLN 223 of 1952 Ogburo was one of the towns in Ibadan District Council , Ogburo was not in Iwo District Council.
“W.RLN 335 of 1988- Olubadan of Ibadanland was head of Ibadan District Council which comprises Ogburo among other settlements , Oluwo was head of Iwo District Council comprising of only Ile-Ogbo, Oluponna Kuta ,Ogbaagbaa, Ikonifin, Bode-Osi, Ajagaase, etc, by this arrangement Oluwo has no power to install or appoint any Oba or Chief in Ogburo or any settlement West of river Oba. Only the Olubadan of Ibadanland had and has that right.
“Population Census of Western Region (1952) Ogburo with villages under her was in Ibadan Area (i.e Ibadan Division), whereas in Osun Division under Iwo Ogburo is nót there. River Oba being boundary between Ogburo in Ibadan Division and Iwo in Osun Division.
“National Electoral Commission’s registrations of Constituencies and
Senatorial Districts 1979 – Ogburo under Lagelu North and not under Iwo West.
“Western State Gazette 581 of 1975 No. 37 Vol. 22 Ogburo was represented by Alhaji Suara Alagbe under Ibadan Local Governnment Council , Ogburo was not represented in Iwo Local Government Council, again, notable personalities like Sabitu Isamotu Primary Leaving Certificate 15/05/1961 held in 1960
at Baptist Day School, Ogburo, Ibadan (Not Iwo) Tiamiyu Ismaila Ajani primary Leaving Certificate, (27-11-85) obtained from Baptist Day School, Ogburo Ibadan East (Not Iwo West)
“Even evidence from INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) “Evidence of Ward 11 (Eleven) lagelu Local Government of Oyo State (Not Iwo Local Government of Osun State) dated 21st Nov. 2000- Baptist Day School, Ogburo is unit 3 and the ward’s collating center up to date.
“Olubadan Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike certificate of Installation of Baale Alhaji Suara Alagbe dated 23/01/1989 , evidence that Olubadan of Ibadanland is the prescribed authority to install traditional rulers in Ogburo and her environs, West of Odo-Oba (Not Oluwo of Iwo)
“Yoruba Warfare in the nineteen Century assertion on the battle of Ikirun , Court judgments against Oluwo and his surrogates on Ogburo land, all in favour of Ogburo – Ibadan.
“Oyo state Position paper on the Boundary Dispute Between Lagelu
Local Government of Oyo State and Iwo Local Government of Osun State over the ownership of Ogburo and the surrounding villages confirm that Ogburo belongs to Ibadanland.
“Oba Rasidi Adewale needs to urgently re-trace his steps inorder to guarantee the peaceful coexistence in that region
