Boundary Disputes: Oyo Govt Begins Reconciliation on Iseyin/Ibarapa Land Issue, Orders Administrative Map

The Oyo State Government has commenced reconciliation efforts between Iseyin Local Government and Ibarapa North Local Government over a lingering land dispute that has heightened tension in border communities.

The dispute borders on allegations of encroachment on lands in Araromi LCDA, Iseyin Local Government Area, by Ibarapa North Local Government.

At a meeting convened by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, at the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday, he directed the Office of the Surveyor-General to produce an administrative map to aid in resolving the dispute and demarcating boundaries between local governments and LCDAs.

According to him, the map will serve as a guide because land matters are sensitive, especially to royal fathers and communities.

He said: “We must navigate carefully and ensure that there’s no problem in Oyo State. What we will rely on are historical records, current occupation, and government gazette.

“When there is a gazette backed by an administrative map from the Office of the Surveyor-General, there won’t be any problem.”

The Deputy Governor, who chairs the State Boundary Committee, however urged the parties to come prepared with sufficient evidence to support their claims in the next meeting. 

He asked them to check their archives and present documents such as survey plans, court judgments, and other records.

He also charged the Office of the Surveyor-General to update the gazette to accommodate all local governments and communities, and to align it with existing laws to determine which lands belong to LCDAs or local governments.

Noting that the absence of the Ibarapa North Chairman at the meeting had made it difficult to hear the case properly, the Deputy Governor urged the chairmen of Ibarapa North and Ibarapa East to ensure they present their cases properly with evidence in the next meeting. 

He further urged royal fathers and community leaders from both sides to bring forward narrations, witnesses, and any other evidence to support their claims, stressing that government is open to an amicable resolution.

The Deputy Governor however warned against erecting boundary pillars until all issues are resolved, and called on residents to stop making the work of government difficult.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said Oyo State remains committed to peace across all 33 local governments. 

He noted that despite boundary disputes, the state has remained relatively peaceful in the last seven years, adding that with an administrative map and proper evidence from parties, the Iseyin-Ibarapa North dispute can be resolved amicably.

The Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, who was also present at the meeting, stressed the need for peace and urged families laying claim to land to work through traditional institutions before presenting matters to government. 

He added that traditional rulers, as recognized institutions, should first mediate such disputes before bothering government. 

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Alhaji Audu, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet, Pastor, Barr. Tunji Thomas of the Ministry of Justice, Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Alhaji Hassan Ajibade, and other stakeholders.