In a bid to fortify the existing relationship that can withstand any threat, the Ekiti and Ondo state governments have set machinery in place to resolve the boundary tussles in all the border towns between the two states.
This unanimous and far-reaching decision was taken during a brainstorming session held at the weekend in Akure, the Ondo State Capital, where Ekiti State deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, led a delegation to her counterpart in Ondo State, Dr Olaide Adelami.
The strategic parley stemmed from the strained relationships and protracted boundary impasse among some towns at the borders of the two contiguous states and to fashion out how best to tame them.
Some of the flashpoints experiencing persistent land crises include Emure Ekiti and Supare, Ugbesi Ekiti and Igasi Akoko, Ahan Ayegunle Ekiti and Oke Agbe, Imesi Ekiti and Irun Akoko, among others.
In her message, Mrs Afuye said that the two states had built enduring relationships since 1976, saying these crises won’t be allowed to fester and throw a spanner in the wheel of progress.
She emphasised the expediency of the two states mulling different peace initiatives to resolve these issues to avert violence and bloodshed at the grassroots.
Mrs Afuye added that her principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is an advocate of peace, good neighbourliness and building of bridges with sister-states to ward off insecurity and other transborder criminalities.
“Ondo and Ekiti States have come a long way. Let us imbibe the spirit of give and take in resolving some of these issues. We have been agitating for a long time that we should meet, so that we can resolve some of the crises at hand. We want to thank the people of Ondo State for embracing this peace mission.
“There is nothing to gain in fighting or killing ourselves. It is better we talk to each other and resolve our differences than allow bloodshed. Wherever there is boundary dispute, there is always loss of lives and property. We have to prevent this,” she stated.
Restating that the relationship between the two states remains indivisible, the Ondo State deputy governor, Dr Olaide Adelami, applauded the Ekiti State government for the peace initiative and for believing in their abilities to resolve some of the boundary impasse.
Dr Adelami pledged full cooperation of Ondo State with Ekiti in resolving these challenges, saying the bond of unity between the two states remains unbroken.
