The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the lingering boundary dispute between Osun and Oyo States to prevent a potential communal clash.

In a statement issued yesterday through his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch alleged a covert plan to cede parts of Osun territory in the Iwo axis to Lagelu community in Oyo State — a development he described as a “looming crisis” capable of disrupting peace in the affected areas.

“There are indicators of a compromise to cede part of Osun State in the Iwo axis to Lagelu in Oyo State, a situation that may trigger civil unrest in the affected villages,” Oba Akanbi warned.

He noted that despite previous assurances from the National Boundary Commission (NBC), historical records and documents from Osun State relating to the matter had reportedly gone missing.

“If documents are missing, the committee should call for copies from us. The people of Iwo are the landlords of the affected villages — with schools, hospitals, and polling units all under Osun State. Forcing them into another state will amount to national treason,” he said.

The traditional ruler recalled that in April, three residents were killed during an altercation involving alleged land grabbers from Offa and Lagelu, stressing that only his appeal for calm prevented reprisal attacks.

“I cautioned my people to remain civil and to seek redress in court, trusting that the NBC would deliver a fair report,” the monarch stated.

Oba Akanbi appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and security agencies to urgently intervene to forestall violence, urging the Federal Government to establish an independent boundary inquiry committee to ensure justice and lasting peace.