The Osun State government yesterday inaugurated a 100-member Ifon Orolu, Ilobu, Erin Osun boundary resolution committee with a two-week mandate to turn in its report.
It would be recalled that the lingering communal crises among the three communities had claimed lives and led to the destruction of properties of the warring communities.
The deputy governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, inaugurated the committee on behalf of the state governor, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke, and reiterated the government’s commitment to peace as one of humanity’s highest values.
“Osun State government, deeply concerned about the incessant disputes over land among the communities of Ifon, llobu, and Erin-Osun, and considering the likelihood of the crises spreading to other communities, decided to initiate a process that will guarantee lasting peace in the affected communities, knowing fully well that growth and development will always be elusive in any society where peace fails to reign.
“It is, therefore, imperative to urgently nurture peace in the affected communities to permanently exhume the toxic seeds of animosity sown over the years, as well as the need to transform differences into dialogue, not enmity. No doubt, it is through reasoned discourse that the fabric of peace can be woven, which will, in turn, propel the prosperity of the state.
“This committee is, therefore, given two weeks to carry out its findings and submit its report to the Osun State government.
Earlier, the committee co-chairman, Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe (rtd), assured the government of the committee’s resolve to do a thorough job within the stipulated time.
The committee has the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Laaroye ll, and Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe (rtd) as Chairman and Co-chairman, respectively. Twenty-five members each represent the warring communities. Others include Service Chiefs, traditional rulers, and top government officials.
