The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has expressed serious concern over a possible communal clash between Osun and Oyo states, stemming from unresolved boundary disputes.

In a statement released Wednesday through his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi alleged that there are plans to cede parts of Osun State land around the Iwo area to the Lagelu community in Oyo State.

The monarch urged President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent committee of enquiry to address the issue and warned that inaction could escalate tensions among local communities.

“There are signs of a plan to cede part of Osun State in the Iwo axis to Lagelu in Oyo State, which could spark another outbreak of unrest in the affected villages,” he said.

Oba Akanbi emphasized the need for urgent intervention to prevent a crisis, describing the alleged plan as an attempt to “steal the ancestral birthrights of the people of Iwo land.”

He recalled that residents of the affected villages have previously expressed anger following past conflicts.

“As a responsible father to the sons and daughters of Iwo land, it would be extremely difficult for me to console victims of such injustices,” he said.

The Oluwo referred to an incident in April where three people were reportedly killed during clashes involving land grabbers from Offa and Lagelu. He noted that families of the victims were threatening reprisals.

“I advised the aggrieved families to pursue legal redress rather than resort to violence and assured them of an objective report from the National Boundary Commission. They heeded my advice,” he added.

Oba Akanbi also raised concerns about missing boundary documents, stating that historical evidence from Osun State has reportedly been misplaced.

“If documents are missing, the committee has the right to request copies from us,” he said.

The traditional ruler stressed that the affected villages historically belong to Osun State, pointing to public facilities and polling units as proof.

“The people of Iwo are the rightful landlords of these villages, with schools, hospitals, and voting units under Osun State. Forcing them into another state would amount to national treason,” he warned.

He appealed to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to take immediate action and called on state authorities and security operatives to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Reaffirming his confidence in the federal government, Oba Akanbi expressed hope that a transparent enquiry would resolve the concerns of Iwo residents. He stressed that swift government action is critical to maintaining peace along the disputed boundary.