The Oyo State Government has initiated steps to resolve longstanding boundary disputes involving 12 Local Government Areas across the state.
The affected areas include Ibadan South West and Oluyole; Oyo East and Afijio; Kajola and Iwajowa; Akinyele and Afijio; Saki West and Atisbo; Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa East; and Agbaa and Oko communities in Surulere Local Government.
A high-level peace meeting convened by the government was held at the Mediation Center, Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Ibadan, with representatives from the affected councils in attendance.
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who also chairs the State Boundary Committee, urged stakeholders to maintain peace and respect judicial rulings on their disputes. He emphasized that the government remains committed to preventing violence and fostering harmony.
According to a statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the committee’s work is in line with constitutional provisions and aims to deliver fair and peaceful resolutions to the disputes.
Lawal announced that some cases, such as those involving Ibadan South West/Oluyole and Akinyele/Afijio, were adjourned for further deliberation. Meanwhile, court judgments have been adopted for Kajola and Iwajowa, and other verdicts are pending.
He also requested additional legal documents for the Saki West–Atisbo dispute and tasked the Surulere Local Government Chairman with providing updates on intra-LG issues.
The committee further appealed to Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa East to embrace peace, while urging the Surveyor General to define clear administrative boundaries to prevent future conflicts.
Commissioner Oyelade reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, referencing the administration’s track record of 40 successful Oba and Baale installations. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and Attorney General, Biodun Aikomo, also pledged the committee’s dedication to impartial and thorough investigations for lasting solutions.
