Chiefs in Ibadanland, including Baales and Mogajis, have unequivocally stated that there is no dispute over the ownership of Ogburo, a boundary community between Oyo and Osun States. In response to claims by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Chiefs assert that Ogburo has been an integral part of Ibadanland since time immemorial.
Warning against any attempts to foment trouble in Ogburo, the Chiefs emphasize that the community is firmly rooted in Ibadanland, refuting any connection to Iwo in Osun State.
A joint statement signed by Barr. Chief Niyi Ajewole, President of the Ibadan Peace Initiative, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator, conveys that Ogburo community recognizes only one monarch, Oba Victor Oyedepo Olabamji, appointed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun. The Chiefs declare any other claim to the throne as null and void.
“It has come to our notice that the Ologburo recently installed by Olubadan cannot go to his community over fear of attack, intimidation, and harassment by thugs in the community and alleged involvement of a monarch,” the statement reveals.
Despite the matter being under consideration by the National Boundary Commission, the Chiefs express their concern over the persistent issue and call for the intervention of stakeholders in Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria to prevent further escalation.
The Chiefs lament the situation where Ologburo of Ogburo, HRH Oba Victor Oyedepo Olabamji, faces hindrance in accessing his community due to fears of attacks and harassment by alleged thugs and an opposing monarch.
Ologburo of Ogburo was one of the recently coronated Obas by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll, following the process initiated during the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and subsequently restructured, reconfirmed, and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Chiefs emphasize the significance of Odo Oba as a natural boundary between Oyo and Osun States, and they express confusion over the refusal of acceptance at the Odo Oba axis, given its historical recognition as a common boundary without crises.
The statement concludes with a plea for immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing issues, emphasizing the historical ties of Ogburo to Ibadanland and calling for a peaceful resolution that respects the community’s heritage and avoids further escalation.
