By Tomi Lala
The Osun and Oyo states government have renewed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of the lingering boundary dispute between the two states, with a strong emphasis on unity, cooperation, and communal harmony.
During a two-days joint meeting held at the Zone 11 Police Headquarters in Osogbo on Monday and Tuesday, government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders gathered for a public enlightenment and sensitization programme organized by the National Boundary Commission (NBC), led by its Director-General, Surv. Adamu A. Adaji.
The first day of the programme focused on sensitization and public enlightenment for traditional rulers and stakeholders on the causes and consequences of the Osun/Oyo boundary dispute.
In his address on Monday, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, who double as the Chairman of the Osun State Boundary Committee, recalled that the last meeting between the deputy governors of both states concluded with an agreement to release all persons arrested and detained in connection with the dispute from the custody of the Zone 11 Area Command, Osogbo.
He said, “There’s no doubt that this development is in the sprit of mutual settlement of the boundary conflict and there must be a change.
” The Government of Osun State hereby condemns the introduction of criminal violence into the boundary dispute, it is totally unacceptable.” he added.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Director-General of the NBC, Surv. Adamu A. Adaji, highlighted the complexities of the 230-kilometre boundary, only 90km of which is currently mutually accepted by both states.
Adaji identified several causes of the dispute, including inadequate colonial era boundary descriptions, expansionist tendencies by some communities, population pressure on land, and political interference.
He however, called for sustained dialogue and grassroots sensitization to foster peace and mutual understanding.
“It is sad that there have been reported cases of violence with loss of lives along the Iwo/Lagelu sector of the boundary
“There is a need for continuous community engagement, and for traditional rulers to preach peace and good neighbourliness.” He noted.
At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that individuals detained due to the conflict in the Iwo land axis would be released.
It was also resolved that a technical committee comprising officials from Osun, Oyo, and the Federal Government would meet in Abuja on a date to be fixed to review documents submitted by both states and articulate a joint framework for defining the boundary.
Both states also agreed to establish a joint security committee, to be activated once the boundary issue is resolved, in order to ensure peaceful coexistence among affected communities.
Additionally, local government chairmen assisted by traditional rulers are to carry out continuous enlightenment campaigns in the disputed sectors.
In an interview with newsmen, the convener of the program, AIG Emobo Fred described the meeting as peaceful and a successful cordial one.
“Today’s meeting was very peaceful and cordial. We held a successful enlightenment campaign yesterday, and both states have pledged to maintain peaceful coexistence.” He said.
