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Ibadan/Iwo, May 2, 2025 –

In a bold and unprecedented move, the Deputy Governors of Oyo and Osun States, His Excellency Barr. Bayo Lawal and His Excellency Prince Kola Adewusi, embarked on a peace mission to quell escalating tensions along the Ibadan-Iwo boundary, issuing stern warnings to suspected instigators of violence and criminality in the troubled communities of Offa-Igbo, Papa, and Ogburo. The historic intervention, which took place on Friday, May 2, 2025, has been hailed as a prophetic step toward restoring peace and justice in the region.

The deputy governors, following a high-stakes parley at the Mediation Center of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, visited the conflict-ridden areas to address simmering disputes fueled by illegal mining, land grabbing, arson, kidnapping, and murder. Their visit comes amid a protracted boundary dispute between Ibadan in Oyo State and Iwo in Osun State, with the Odo-Oba River historically recognized as the dividing line.

Ogburo: A Call for Peace and Respect for Traditional Authority

In Ogburo, a boundary community claimed by Ibadan, the deputy governors met with traditional leaders, including the Baale representing Iwo and the Kabiyesi Ologburo, installed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Oyo State Government. Addressing youths and residents, Barr. Lawal emphasized the need for peace pending the resolution of the boundary dispute by the National Boundary Commission. He issued a stern warning: any threats or violence against the Ologburo or disruption of peace would lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment.

The deputy governors urged the community to respect the authority of the Ologburo, whose installation by the Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was reaffirmed by Oyo State authorities. They cautioned against actions that could derail ongoing peace efforts, echoing the Olubadan’s earlier declaration that Iwo has no claim over the disputed area, with the Odo-Oba River as the established boundary.

Papa: Demola Adegoke Placed on Strong Caveat

The delegation spent nearly an hour at Papa, a village along the old Ibadan-Iwo Road, where Barr. Lawal confronted Demola Adegoke, a self-proclaimed Baale implicated in orchestrating criminal activities. In a moment that resonated with onlookers, the Oyo deputy governor issued a direct caveat:

“I place a strong caveat on you, Demola Adegoke. Nobody invited you or appointed you as Baale, yet you claim the title. If any trouble or criminality occurs in Papa or its environs, you will be the first person held responsible. Warn your youths and associates to desist from these acts.”

The warning was met with applause from residents, who described the deputy governors as “prophets sent by God” for identifying Adegoke as a central figure behind the region’s unrest. Adegoke, alongside associates Musiliu Kehinde Ogunajo, Isiaka Akinrombi, Sodik Talubi, Yusuf of Eleeru village, and Mr. Oloowe, is allegedly linked to a syndicate responsible for illegal mining, burning of villages, destruction of a Lagelu Local Government Caterpillar grader, and the kidnapping and murder of Babatunde Segun, an indigene of Offa-Igbo, a month prior.

Detentions and Calls for Justice

The deputy governors’ visit coincided with the detention of 13 individuals at the Zone 11 Police Zonal Headquarters, including Mr. Oloowe, a senior foot soldier of the alleged syndicate and a notorious political thug in Iwo. Seven of those detained are reportedly linked to Adegoke’s group, accused of heinous crimes, including the rape of Blessing and Marian at a school in Oloola village and the burning of Ibadan villages across the Oke Oba-River boundary.

While Osun’s Deputy Governor Adewusi has reportedly advocated for the release of the detainees, community leaders and elders from the affected villages have called for justice, urging the police to resist pressure and ensure that perpetrators face trial. “Oloowe and his militant group are known to us,” said an elder from Offa-Igbo. “They are behind the destruction and violence. Releasing them would undermine the peace we seek.”

A Unified Call for Peace and Justice

The deputy governors reiterated their commitment to the objectives of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, emphasizing that peace must prevail over political interests. They called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths to embrace dialogue and respect the rule of law while investigations and boundary deliberations continue.

As the region awaits the outcome of police investigations and the Boundary Commission’s findings, the deputy governors’ bold intervention has set a precedent for collaborative governance and decisive action. For the people of Offa-Igbo, Papa, and Ogburo, May 2, 2025, will be remembered as a day when hope was rekindled, and the pursuit of justice took center stage.