Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke have waded into the incessant border clashes between Lagelu and Iwo local governments areas of both states.
The two governors have launched peace moves ahead of the release of the report of the National Boundary Commission.
Both governors met over the dispute during the week and directed the deputy governors of both states to meet and then visit the areas involved in the dispute.
The resolution which was reached at the Ibadan residence of Governor Makinde emphasised the need for peaceful engagement and resolution of all outstanding issues.
They charged their deputies to meet leaders of Lagelu and Iwo communities that are involved in the dispute.
The deputy governors were also saddled with the task of looking into other related boundary disputes such as the recurring one between Orolu and Ogbomoso local government 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 had, however not released its report despite several follow-up by stakeholders thereby, creating a vacuum being exploited by violent groups.
In the last one month, some villages in Iwo and Lagelu local government areas were reportedly attacked.
Governor Adeleke at the meeting emphasised 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”, Adeleke said.
