The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi has warned the Governors of Oyo and Osun States, Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke of imminent communal crisis in the border towns of the two states, if necessary steps were not taken.
In a statement made available to newsmen by the monarch's spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, Oluwo stated that land grabbers from Lagelu in Oyo State have been raiding, attacking and looting properties of Osun communities in the border towns, saying if drastic steps were not taken, it could spun retaliatory attack.
According to the traditional ruler, the two governors must harmonize their interest in settling the long existing boundary dispute between the people of Oke Oba Papa Axis of Iwoland in Osun State and Lagelu area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
"Just yesterday, these land grabbers from Lagelu mobilized again for an onslaught against the people of Oke Oba villages in Iwoland. They have committed arson by destroying both public and private properties. They have sacked teachers and students from classrooms. I feared further silence may degenerate into a larger event if not timely curtailed.
"The palaces of some Baales were completely destroyed. Oloola Molamu Oyin was razed last week. Osun has District Council Primary school and maternity there. The people of these villages have Osun State polling units during elections. They have removed the roof of all these government facilities. They removed the roof, loot and set ablaze the palace. They took Over people's farms, harvested their goods and rubbed them at gunpoint. They have their thugs stationed at these villages till date with guns and other deadly weapons.
"The people of these villages are peace loving. I always calm them against retaliation or reprisal attack. Land disputes are not won with guns. Only an illiterate with no future will engage in physical weapon combat on land boundaries.
"I'm an exposed monarch who will never promote violence. I know the route to peace and will continue to toe it. I don't sell land. I've not sold a plot of land since I became Oluwo.
"The demarcated boundary since 27th August, 1991, when Osun was split out of the old Oyo State is not extendable. Some land grabbers from Lagelu are ignorant of the existing map.
"I call on the two peace loving Governors to consider the fragile nature of the area. Nothing could bring sustainable peace than ensuring the proclamation and enforcement of the National Boundary Commission reports. In the meantime, Governor Seyi Makinde should mandate the people of Lagelu from fermenting further trouble. They should be made to understand that, we are one", he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment