NBC Visits Osun Over Boundary Dispute Reported By OSUN DEFENDER
THE National Boundary Commission (NBC) has sent a team to investigate the boundary dispute between some communities in Iwo local government of Osun State and neighbouring Offa-Igbo village in Lagelu local government of Oyo State.
OSUN DEFENDER had in its October 8, 2023 edition reported the imminent bloody clash between residents of the Osun villages and those of Offa-Igbo of Oyo, due to the boundary dispute.
The villages affected in Iwo local government of Osun are Ogunajo, Paku, Ejemu, Eleye, Oloya and Ojisun.
Leaders of the six villages accused the traditional ruler of Offa-Igbo, Oba Adeboye Salako, and his son, Akeem Adeboye of terrorising them over a land measuring 3000 hectares.
They alleged the traditional ruler and his son of using fake police to terrorise their people and destroying their properties.
Acting on the report, some NBC officials arrived Osun on Wednesday and paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Receiving the official who were led by Mr Oluwafemi Oshinnaike, Adeleke said efforts have been put in place to avert any bloodshed on the boundary dispute.
Adeleke who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, harped on the importance of embracing peace in any disputed land pending an amicable resolution of the contention.
The Governor, according to a report by the Information Officer at the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abdulwasiu Babalola, berated the reported attempt by some individuals to alter the already established facts on the Oyo/Osun boundary.
He appreciated the NBC’s visit, describing it as timely and commendable.
Adeleke said: “My administration is committed to addressing the development and in doing so, we will not leave any stone unturned.
“All necessary arrangements are on a daily basis being put in place to checkmate what could have led to lawlessness leading to the breakdown of law and order.”
In his address, Oshinaike, the leader of the NBC team, stated that the NBC was committed to finding lasting solutions to all boundary disputes in every community.
The NBC team also visited the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi.
Oba Akanbi acknowledged the efforts put in place by the Adeleke administration to reduce tension that would have led to crisis on the boundary dispute.
Oluwo called on NBC to put in place measures at ensuring lasting peace to compliment Adeleke administration effort on the matter.
Ismaeel Uthman is an Editor, Media Consultant with over 14 years experience in print journalism.
A consummate writer and reporter, Uthman has received accolades for his works, especially one that appeals for good governance and community development. He is a recipient of many laurels, including the Best Investigative Reporter (Print) Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, in 2020.
