Tunde Adeleke, Osogbo
The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his Oyo State counterpart, Engr Seyi Makinde have waded into the incessant border clashes between Lagelu and Iwo local governments of both states.
It would be recalled that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, had warned the Governors of Oyo and Osun states, Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke of imminent communal crisis in the border towns of the two states if necessary steps are not taken.
According to a statement made available to newsmen by the spokesperson to Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, the two governors met over the dispute during the week, resolving to an immediate actions which include a directive to the Deputy Governors of both states to meet and conduct and on the spot assessment of the areas involved in the dispute.
The governors, however, called for restraint and an end to the reported incursions into each other’s territories by disgruntled groups, emphasizing the importance of due process and adherence to the rule of law in resolving conflicts
The partly reads, “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.
“Governor Adeleke at the meeting emphasized the historical linkage between the two states, declaring that “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.”
