The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has officially declared the Oba River as the boundary between Ibadan and Iwo.
The paramount ruler made the announcement during an emergency meeting of Obas, Mogajis, and Baales from the disputed border areas, held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Speaking through the Ekerin Olubadan, His Royal Majesty Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen, the monarch emphasized that the Oba River has historically served as the natural boundary between Ibadan in Oyo State and Iwo in Osun State.
“I seriously warn land expansionists, land grabbers and other trespassers to leave forcefully acquired Ibadan land without further delay in their own interests “, Olubadan warned
“The established fact that Ibadan people are lovers of peaceful co -existence and therefore accommodating should not be taken for granted or misinterpreted as cowardice, ” Yiyo ekun bi t’ojo ko “, Olubadan further asserted.
Olubadan admonished the Obas, Mogajis and Baales in the affected areas to protect their territorial integrity and ensure the ownership of land belonging to Ibadan is not compromised. The monarch stated categorically that trespassers should be prepared to face the music.
He enjoined traditional title holders in Ibadan – Iwo boundary areas to give maximum support to the Olubadan of Ibadanland as well as the Oyo State Government to ensure that the land forcefully and fraudulently taken over is reclaimed.
Present at the meeting were Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator ) Sarafadeen Abiodun Ali, Obas, Mogajis and Baales among others.