The Oyo State Government has intervened in the boundary dispute between Ibadan and Iwo, which has resulted in the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, attributed the unfortunate incident to the activities of miners in the disputed area.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in a statement, assured the public that the boundary issue between Oyo and Osun States would be amicably resolved.
According to him, “Efforts are ongoing to ensure that the needful is done to resolve the sensitive land issue.
“Only last week, the two Governors held useful discussions specifically on the matter, and the two Deputy Governors are fully briefed on the way forward.
“The government has appealed to our Traditional Rulers on both sides of the divide to sheath their swords and refrain from inflaming the issue through unguided and sentimental public statements.
“Boundary disputes abound everywhere, and it takes tact to address these inflammable issues.
“That was why, last Thursday, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, led some members of the State Cabinet to successfully douse tension in twelve local government areas of the state.”
Meanwhile, Oba Olakulehin and members of the Olubadan-in-Council have blamed the crisis on the mining activities ongoing in the disputed area.
This was disclosed at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting, which was attended by prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland at the Bodija residence of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja.
In a jointly signed statement, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade and Chief Adeola Oloko said the crisis in the Ogburo community is being fuelled by the mining activities in the area.
The stakeholders, therefore, expressed the need for intervention to prevent the crisis from escalating.
According to the statement, the meeting was convened to address the boundary dispute at Ogburo, a boundary community between Ibadan and Iwo, Osun State.
“What we discovered was that there were a lot of mining activities being orchestrated by some sections of Osun, allegedly supported by prominent traditional rulers in the area.
“What has doused the tension for now is the visit by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to the area and the arrest of suspects. However, many people have been injured since the beginning of the dispute. The Ologburo installed by the Olubadan has been sacked and cannot return to town.
“Recently, a grader belonging to Lagelu Local Government was set on fire. Those perpetrating these dastardly acts are currently advancing towards Papa and Lagun. Schools and maternity centres built by Oyo State have been hijacked and converted into Osun State properties.
“The stakeholders have resolved to critically examine the matter and ensure that the issue is thoroughly addressed, particularly regarding the mining activities in the area.
“We call the attention of the Oyo State Government. We know the state government has been doing well, but they still need to do more.
“The meeting is a continuous one. We will still hold another meeting to monitor activities in the area, understand the true picture of the crisis, and alert people to its security implications.”
The meeting was attended by Eekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Akeem Adewoyin; Ekarun Balogun; Senator Sharafadeen Alli; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Fatai Owoseni; and retired AIG Sikiru Akande. Mogajis present were led by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, while Baales present were led by Baale Isiaka Akinpelu.
Others included the Aare Ago Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Adetokunbo Akintola Ibikunle (Rtd Admiral); House of Representatives member for Lagelu Federal Constituency, Hon Lafioye; Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon Kamarudeen; and the State Honourable representing Lagelu State Constituency, Hon Akintunde (AKT).
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