The Osogbo Action Council (OAC) has refuted allegations of expansionist tendencies made against the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun. The council, representing the Osogbo indigenes, dismissed the claims as baseless and asserted the community’s commitment to peace and good neighborliness. This statement comes in response to assertions by the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Ayorinde Olabomi, regarding an alleged plan by the Ataoja to encroach upon Iragbiji lands.
Oba Olabomi highlighted that the boundary between the two towns had been defined since 1905, emphasizing the River Omu as the authentic boundary. He urged intervention from President Bola Tinubu, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and security agencies to prevent potential communal clashes that could destabilize Osun State.
In a press statement, Ajadi Badmus, the Chairman of OAC and Asiwaju of Osogboland, emphasized Osogbo’s peaceful disposition and its reputation for accommodating people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Badmus stressed that Osogbo has historically embraced peace and has never engaged in territorial disputes or conflicts with neighboring communities.
The council reiterated that the Osogbo monarch, as the custodian of their culture and history, would not make unfounded claims and is dedicated to maintaining harmonious relations with neighboring towns. Additionally, the OAC appealed for calm from both Iragbiji and Osogbo communities, affirming ongoing efforts to resolve the issues amicably.
Emphasizing the familial bond between the indigenes of both towns, the statement underscored the commitment of Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye II, as the primary representative of Osogbo, in promoting love, peace, and unity. The OAC concluded by advocating for peaceful conflict resolution, asserting that the crisis would not benefit anyone and calling for a collective pursuit of peace and love for the mutual benefit of all involved parties.
