In a bid to resolve rising tensions along the Osun-Oyo boundary, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has met with his Oyo counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, to discuss peaceful solutions to the ongoing dispute.
The talks come on the heels of fresh clashes between residents of Oke-Oba in Iwo (Osun) and communities in Lagelu Local Government Area (Oyo), which drew public alarm from the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi.
Oba Akanbi accused alleged land grabbers from Oyo of attacking villages in Iwo, naming Ogunajo, Eleye, Molamu, Paku, Ejemu Oja, Oloya, Arikese, Eleweran, Olofa Ogundiran, and Molafe as affected communities. He urged both governors to refer to the official 1991 boundary map, stating, “There’s a need to revisit the map from when Osun was carved out of Oyo to settle this once and for all.”
According to a statement from Osun Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the two leaders recently convened in Ibadan and agreed on a peaceful framework involving the direct participation of their deputy governors.
“The deputies will meet and visit the affected areas,” Rasheed said, noting the broader mandate includes resolving other disputed zones such as Orolu (Osun) and Ogbomoso (Oyo).
The governors emphasized restraint, calling for all grievances to be channeled through lawful processes. “All parties must halt hostilities and embrace peace,” the statement read.
Despite previous involvement by the National Boundary Commission, its delayed findings continue to fuel tensions. Stakeholders on both sides have reported renewed violence in recent weeks, underscoring the urgency of a lasting resolution.
