Osun govt inaugurates boundary committee to ameliorate disputes

Governor, State of Osun,  Mr Adegboyega Oyetola,  on Tuesday inaugurated State Boundary Committee,  with a mandate to amicably settle all boundary disputes within the state as well as  Osun and  contiguous states.

The 11- man committee, headed by  the  Deputy Governor,  Mr Benedict Alabi, was saddled with the responsibility of adopting  Alternative Conflict Resolution Model to resolve every issue.

Recall that the state is currently having boundary  contention with her neighbouring states of  Ekiti, Ondo and Oyo, coupled with  intra boundary disputes amongst some communities like Iwoye/Iragberi, Iwo/Ile-Ogbo, Erin-Osun/Ilobu, among others.

Oyetola, while inaugurating the committee opined that boundary disputes were becoming " a hydra-headed monster, hence, the need for the establishment of the committee,  especially at a critical time like this".

The Governor,  who spoke through his Deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi,  said the composition and subsequent  inauguration of the Committee was in tandem  with Section 4 and 5 of the Osun State Law, Cap 91, 2002.

Accordingly to him, "Boundary disputes are potential source of conflicts in a State and they have the tendency to adversely affect and erode peace, security and development of the State. This is even more so that the extant boundary disputes we are grappling with are both intra- and inter-State in nature.

"However, when well and amicably handled, they promote and engender peace and harmony among affected States and communities.

"As a responsible government, we have decided to adopt a peaceful approach to settle extant disputes amicably between us and the affected States and as well as among affected communities in our State. This strategy is also in line with our recognition and status as the most peaceful State in the country".

Governor Oyetola,  then  tasked the Committee to extensively consult with critical stakeholders across the contiguous states, with a view to taking joint measures to harmonise inter-community relationship.

The  Attorney General of  the State,  Barrister Femi Akande, who is a  member of the Committee made remarks on behalf of the committee's Chairman, Mr Benedict Alabi, saying that  boundary disputes in the axis were becoming a serious threat.

"Our option for Alternative Dispute Resolution Method against the  exposure to the machinery available in the glare of the regular courts remains a proactive and tactical approach to avoid  brinkmanship and acrimony and sustain peace within our dear state and  with our neighbours".

He then assured the Governor that the Committee would carry out its assignment diligently and deliver as expected.

Meanwhile, members of the Committee  include the Honourable Commissioners for Lands, Finance, Information, Special Adviser on Security, the State Commissioner of Police and the State Surveyor General.

Others are the Commissioner for Boundary Settlement, Justice Kunle Adeigbe, as  Mr Olusegun Agboola, who is  the the Director of Administration,  Office of the Deputy Governor,  will serve as Secretary to the Committee.