Oyo, Osun Govts meet to resolve standing boundary disputes

Seek NBC urgent intervention

The governments of Osun and Oyo states have taken a significant step towards resolving their long-standing boundary disputes.

The issue gained attention recently when the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, highlighted violent clashes between communities in Iwo and Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Oluwo alleged that land grabbers from Lagelu have been attacking villages under Iwo, including Ogburo, Ogunajo, Eleye, and Molamu.

However, in a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governors of both states, Prince Kola Adewusi and Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, held at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, on Friday, a commitment to peace was made.

The Deputy Governors, who later conducted an on-the-spot inspection of Ogburo, and other affected communities, emphasized the brotherly relationship between Osun and Oyo and the need for peace to prevail.

During the meeting, the Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Adewusi, stated that the meeting marks a crucial step towards ending the crisis, urging everyone to allow peace to reign.

He added that the successful outcome of the meeting is paramount, and that local government chairmen should ensure peace and release those arrested.

On his part, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, noted that misinformation has contributed to the clashes and advised that information should be handled carefully to prevent further conflicts.

He emphasized that the boundary dispute is sensitive and that Oyo State will work towards a permanent resolution.

However, during an inspection of the affected communities, the Deputy Governors informed the locals that both state governments have addressed the issue and jointly called on the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to quickly address the issue amicably.

They equally warned against escalating the dispute whilst urging security agencies to apprehend anyone found culpable, regardless of age or status.