- Safiu Kehinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, have launched peace move to resolve the incessant border disputes between Lagelu and Iwo communities.
Lagelu which is located in Oyo state had been engaged in age-long boundary clashes with Iwo communities in Osun State.
The incessant clashes between the boundary communities had led to the displacement of several farmers and residents.
According to a September 2024 report, over 400 farmers have been displaced on account of the clashes between the border communities.
In an effort to find lasting solution to the crisis, the governors of both states made the peace move ahead of the release of the National Boundary Commission’s report.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Osun State Governor.
According to the statement, the two governors met during the week and resolved on immediate actions which include a directive to the Deputy Governors of both states to meet and then visit the areas involved in the dispute.
As part of the resolution reached at the Ibadan residence of Governor Makinde, the Deputy Governors were charged to meet leaders of Lagelu and Iwo communities involved in the confrontation.
The Deputy Governors are also to look into other related boundary disputes such as the recurring one between Orolu local government and Ogbomoso areas of the two states.
Both governors called for restraints and cessation of reported raids into each other’s territories by aggrieved parties, insisting on due process and rule of law in conflict resolution.
The National Boundary Commission had conducted mediation visitation to the disputed areas to collate data from documentary and oral evidence to determine the exact boundary of the two states.
The federal agency has however not released its report despite several follow up by the stakeholders, creating a vacuum being exploited by violated groups.
According to the statement, several villages in Iwo local government have, in the last one month, been attacked while the Lagelu groups also alleged attacks on its men and settlements.
Speaking at the meeting Oyo state governor, Adeleke emphasized the historical linkage between the two states.
“Our people are one and we must peacefully resolve any outstanding issues.
“I commend my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde on this proactive decision. Our deputy governors will take up the matter as a matter of urgency”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.