Ibadan Traditional Leaders Raise Alarm Over Mining-Linked Crisis at Ibadan-Iwo Border

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, alongside members of the Olubadan-In-Council and other prominent stakeholders in Ibadanland, have expressed serious concern over the escalating tension along the boundary between Ibadan in Oyo State and Iwo in Osun State. In a communique released following a high-level meeting at the Bodija residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Monday, the traditional leaders warned that the crisis has grown beyond mere boundary disagreements.

Contrary to common belief that the friction stems from a land dispute, the stakeholders attributed the root cause to the struggle over gold mining activities taking place in the area. Their concerns spotlight the deeper implications of unchecked mining operations in the region, which they claim are exacerbating violence, lawlessness, and destruction of government infrastructure.

Adelabu’s 2027 Governorship Bid Sparks Optimism Amidst Intra-Party Debate

Gold Mining at the Heart of Ibadan-Iwo Tension

In the joint statement released in Ibadan on Tuesday by Adeola Oloko, former Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, the group clarified that the violence seen in the Ogburo boundary area is not just territorial—it is economically motivated.

“There is a need for stakeholder intervention so as to prevent the crisis from getting out of hand,” the statement warned. It cited rising cases of kidnapping, arson, and murder in communities surrounding the disputed corridor, with fingers pointing toward mining-related tensions as the main trigger.

The delegation, which initially gathered to pay an Easter homage to the Olubadan, expressed outrage after receiving firsthand accounts of escalating unrest in areas like Ogburo, Papa, and Lagun—all flashpoints where criminal activity has been intensifying.

Despite their claims, the stakeholders stopped short of specifying whether the mining activities are legal or illegal, or who exactly is behind them. However, they alleged involvement and tacit support from prominent traditional rulers in Osun State, further complicating the matter.

Security Threats and Territorial Encroachment

One of the most alarming developments shared during the meeting was the sacking of the Ologburo—installed by the Olubadan—who reportedly had to flee town due to threats to his life. Additionally, a grader belonging to Lagelu Local Government was reportedly set ablaze by suspected attackers, and several Oyo State-owned facilities, including schools and maternity centres, have allegedly been taken over and rebranded as Osun State property.

The traditional leaders also warned that the violence could soon spread further, stating that perpetrators are “currently advancing toward Papa and Lagun.” With tensions so high, they called for increased state intervention before the situation spirals out of control.

“What has doused the tension for now is the visit by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to the area and the subsequent arrest of suspects,” the statement noted. However, they maintained that arrests alone are insufficient to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.

A Call for Urgent Government Action

The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to the Oyo State Government to escalate its intervention and provide more robust support to the affected communities. While acknowledging the efforts of the administration thus far, the leaders insisted that “the government still needs to do more.”

They proposed the establishment of a continuous monitoring mechanism that would involve traditional authorities and state security representatives. The goal, they said, is to get a clearer picture of the situation on the ground and alert relevant stakeholders about the broader security implications.

“We will still hold another meeting to monitor activities going on there to know the true picture of the crisis and alert people of its security implications,” the statement concluded.

High-Level Attendance Reflects Depth of Concern

The significance of the meeting was underscored by the presence of several high-profile individuals, including Eekerin Olubadan Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Balogun Akeem Adewoyin, Ekarun Balogun, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, the Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland. Also in attendance were CP Fatai Owoseni (retd), Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, and AIG Sikiru Akande (retd).

Mogajis led by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Baales led by Baale Isiaka Akinpelu were also part of the critical discussion. Their collective presence not only reflects the seriousness of the situation but also signals a unified resolve among Ibadan’s traditional and civic leaders to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

As Oyo and Osun States grapple with the mounting challenges posed by gold mining and contested boundaries, the voice of traditional leaders may yet be a vital force in steering the region away from conflict and toward peace.