Osun State Government has called for patience and continuous dialogue in resolving the long-standing boundary dispute between Osun and Oyo States.
The call was reiterated during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the National Boundary Commission, NBC, to the Governor’s Office at the Osun State Secretariat, Abeere onMonday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, emphasized that peaceful engagement and inter-state cooperation were key to resolving the matter amicably.
He said, “I believe the solution is within; it is political, Nobody knows when the land was created, but now we are fighting over it. At the end of the day, it’s a round table solution.”;
The Deputy Governor disclosed that the governors of both states had directed their deputies to visit the disputed areas to assess the situation firsthand, stressing that local leadership often bears the blame in crisis situations.
“The two governors summoned me and my counterpart from Oyo to visit the area and assess the situation. When there’s crisis, the leaders of the area are often blamed. That is why we are taking this seriously.”;
The NBC, Director-General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji commended the Osun State Government for its proactive approach in handling internal boundary issues.
He also stressed the need for enlightenment and sensitisation among residents on the importance of land boundaries.
“We are here to appreciate His Excellency for his concern and support. Aftertoday’s meeting, we will work jointly to review documents and see how we can resolve the remaining issues.
“Our aim is to advise and appeal to the two states and the inhabitants to kindly cooperate with each other,”; he said.
Expressing optimism about the resolution of the issue, Adaji stated that, “The two governments are enthusiastic, and we believe this issue can be resolved amicably.”;
The visit of the NBC to Osun State is coming after reports of clashes between boundary communities in Lagelu local government area of Oyo State and Iwo local government area of Osun State.
The clashes has raised concerns and Governor Ademola Adeleke and his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier directed their deputies to jointly engage local leaders and security operatives to de-escalate tension ahead of a boundary report’s release.
Meanwhile, a personnel of the Osun State Amotekun Corps lost his life as he was reportedly attacked violently while responding to an emergency.
