The governments of Oyo and Osun States have jointly held the National Boundary Commission (NBC) responsible for the lingering border dispute between the two southwestern states.
This was made known to newsmen on Friday, May 2, after a high-level meeting presided over by the deputy governors of the two states; Barrister Bayo Lawal (Oyo) and Prince Kola Adewusi (Osun).
The joint press conference held at the Conference Room of the Oyo state Ministry of Justice, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
The meeting brought together top officials from both governments, including traditional and community leaders in the affected areas, and representatives of security agencies.
This was as the two states called on the federal agency to expedite action in resolving the crisis in order to put an end to the age-long boundary dispute by coming out in clear terms to the public on the true position of the border.
Despite the ongoing dispute, both governments firmly emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties that bind their peoples, and also highlighted their mutual commitment to peace and cooperation, warning divisive elements to desist from causing crisis as the full wrath of the law will fall on anyone found culpable of inciting violence or making inflammatory statements to escalate the situation.
The two states warned against the use of divisive rhetoric or actions that could disrupt the prevailing peace being pursued by the two states, maintaining that there can be no alternative to peace on the lingering dispute.
Recall that the dispute gained public attention recently when the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, had earlier highlighted violent clashes between communities in Iwo and Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Oluwo had alleged that land grabbers from Lagelu have been attacking villages under Iwo, including Ogburo, Ogunajo, Eleye, and Molamu leading to arrest of suspects by security operatives.
However, as part of their fact finding mission on the true state of the border demarcation, the two deputy governors jointly led delegations of both states on an on-the-spot inspection of Oba river, Ogburo, and Tapa community, all under disputed border between Lagelu in Oyo and Osun west under Osun state.
Consequent upon their onsite inspection, and engagements with traditional and community leaders of affected areas, the two states emphasized the brotherly relationship and the need for sustained peace in the pursuit of a lasting solution to the border demarcation crises.
The two states in their separate remarks while addressing locals, stressed that the boundary conflict has persisted due to the NBC’s failure to finalize the demarcation process despite having memoranda from both states and their multiple interventions.
Speaking earlier during a joint press briefing by both states before the inspection, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Lawal frowned at the rate of misrepresentation of fact regarding the dispute in the media.
He noted that wrong information in public space has contributed to the clashes and advised that information should be handled carefully to prevent further conflicts.
While calling on security agencies to immediately arrest anyone found fomenting trouble or causing crises over the disputed border, Barr Lawal warned that whoever is found culpable of fanning embers of violence or sponsoring it will be severely dealt with by the law.
He emphasized that the boundary dispute remains sensitive and that Oyo State will continue collaborate with Osun state to pursue peace in the spirit of brotherhood and shared Yoruba ancestors.
“We urge all stakeholders, including community leaders, residents, and media organizations, to avoid inflammatory statements and rumors that may incite violence or breed mistrust. The path forward must be one of dialogue, understanding, peace, and unity,” Oyo state deputy governor remarked.
Speaking to the traditional and community leaders at Tapa community, the governments of Oyo and Osun States jointly reiterated their disappointments over the slow response and lack of clarity from the National Boundary Commission on the long-standing border demarcation.
They jointly called on the Commission to take urgent steps to resolve the lingering issue to prevent unnecessary tensions among the people of the two states while reaffirming their commitment to peace and unity as not just neighbors but brothers separated by state creation.