By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Revered monarch, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), has declared that the Oba River is the boundary between the city of Ibadan and Iwo town.
The paramount ruler made the declaration at an emergency meeting of Obas, Mogajis and Baales in the boundary areas of Ibadan and Iwo, which took place at the Committee Room at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Speaking through the Ekerin Olubadan, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen, the Olubadan said the boundary between Ibadan and Iwo in Osun State had been Oba River from time immemorial.
“I seriously warn land expansionists, land grabbers and other trespassers to leave forcefully acquired Ibadan land without further delay in their own interest,” the 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,” Olubadan further warned.
He admonished the Obas, Mogajis and Baales in the affected areas to protect their territorial integrity and ensure the ownership of land belonging to Ibadan was not compromised.
The monarch stated that trespassers should be prepared to face the music.
He enjoined traditional title holders in the Ibadan/Iwo boundary areas to give maximum support to him as well as the Oyo State government to ensure that the land forcibly and “fraudulently taken over” was reclaimed.
Present at the meeting were the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator) Sarafadeen Abiodun Ali, Obas, Mogajis and Baales, among others.
