Oyo Govt moves to resolve age-long boundary disputes in 12 LGAs

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has called on stakeholders in warring communities to desist from actions that could escalate tensions, as efforts intensify to resolve long-standing boundary disputes in the state.

The government announced plans to settle disputes involving 12 Local Government Areas: Ibadan South West and Oluyole; Oyo East and Afijio; Kajola and Iwajowa; Akinyele and Afijio; Saki West and Atisbo; Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa East; as well as Agbaa and Oko communities in Surulere Local Government Area.

The Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, who also serves as Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, made the appeal during a peace meeting with representatives from the affected local governments at the Mediation Center, Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Ibadan.

He stated that the disputes between Ibadan South West and Oluyole, as well as Akinyele and Afijio, were adjourned until the next boundary meeting, the date of which will be communicated to all parties.

Barrister Lawal noted that the committee had adopted judgments from both the High Court and the Court of Appeal in the boundary matter between Kajola and Iwajowa, while parties involved in the Oyo East and Afijio case were informed to expect a verdict soon.

He added that the committee still requires more legal documents and evidence from the parties involved in the dispute between Saki West and Atisbo Local Government Areas.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, urged all concerned parties to respect the rulings and mediation strategies employed by the committee.