Oyo, Osun hold peace meeting over boundary dispute

In an effort to address the longstanding boundary dispute between Oyo and Osun states in Nigeria, Deputy Governors Abdul-Raheem Lawal of Oyo and Kola Adewusi of Osun recently held a peace meeting. The gathering, which took place at the Agodi Secretariat in Ibadan, aimed to foster cooperation and establish lasting peace amid renewed tensions between border communities.

The dispute gained renewed attention following allegations of violent clashes involving land grabbers from Oyo State's Lagelu Local Government Area attacking villages under Iwo in Osun State. Affected communities include Ogburo, Ogunajo, Eleye, and Molamu.

As part of their initiative, the deputy governors visited Ogburo and other disputed areas to conduct on-the-spot assessments. They emphasized the historical and brotherly ties between the two states and the importance of preventing further escalation.

Osun Deputy Governor Adewusi described the engagement as a crucial step toward ending the crisis and called for calm, urging all stakeholders, particularly local government chairmen, to embrace peace and ensure the release of those arrested. He highlighted the significance of a successful outcome from the meeting.

Oyo Deputy Governor Lawal noted that misinformation has played a role in fueling the conflict. He stressed the need for careful information management, especially when dealing with sensitive matters like boundary issues. Lawal assured that Oyo State is committed to a permanent resolution and pledged full cooperation with Osun and relevant federal agencies.

Both deputy governors informed residents that their state governments have contacted the National Boundary Commission to intervene and help resolve the dispute amicably. They warned against inciting violence and directed security agencies to arrest anyone found guilty of fanning tension, regardless of age or status.

The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to peace and inter-state cooperation, with both governments agreeing to maintain open dialogue and prevent further violence in the affected communities.