Boundary Disputes: Adeleke, Makinde Sue For Peace, Direct Deputies To Engage Warring Parties
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his counterpart in Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde have waded into the incessant border clashes between Iwo and Lagelu local governments.
The governors ordered their deputies to visit the areas involved in the dispute with the aim of finding a resolution.
This was part of the peace move ahead of the release of the report of the National Boundary Commission.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, had during the weekend called on both governors to wade in before the issue escalated into a communal crisis.
Several villages in Iwo local government have allegedly been attacked by some hoodlums from Lagelu local government, while people from Lagelu also allege attacks from Iwo.
According to a statement by the spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, the two governors met during the week and resolved on immediate actions.
“The resolution which was reached at the Ibadan residence of Governor Makinde emphasised the need for peaceful engagement and resolution of all outstanding issues, charging the Deputy Governors 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,” the statement added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
