The Oyo State Government has initiated a major step towards resolving long-standing boundary disputes involving 12 Local Government Areas across the state.
The affected LGAs include Ibadan South West, Oluyole, Oyo East, Afijio, Kajola, Iwajowa, Akinyele, Saki West, Atisbo, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, and Surulere. Communities such as Agbaa and Oko in Surulere Local Government are also among those in dispute.
A peace meeting held at the Mediation Center of the Ministry of Justice in Ibadan brought together representatives of the concerned local governments. The session was convened by the state’s Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who also chairs the Oyo State Boundary Committee.
Lawal cautioned stakeholders to maintain peace in their communities and respect existing judgments related to the disputes. “We urge all parties to refrain from any action that may incite conflict or unrest. The resolution of these disputes must be anchored on legality and mutual understanding,” he said.
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the government emphasized its commitment to preventing violence and bloodshed through dialogue. “A responsible government must act proactively to address land-related tensions to avoid crisis,” he stated.
According to Lawal, the boundary dispute between Ibadan South West and Oluyole LGAs, as well as that of Akinyele and Afijio, were adjourned pending further deliberations. The committee adopted High Court and Appeal Court judgments in the Kajola–Iwajowa case, while Oyo East and Afijio LGAs were advised to expect a ruling soon.
He added that more legal documents were required for the ongoing case between Saki West and Atisbo LGAs, while the Surulere Local Government Chairman was directed to provide further updates regarding intra-local government tensions.
On the Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa East conflict, the committee called for calm and tasked the Surveyor General with defining clearer administrative boundaries to distinguish between towns and LGAs.
Commissioner Oyelade noted that the state government values peace, pointing to the successful installation of 40 traditional rulers as evidence of its dedication to harmony. “This administration has recorded unprecedented achievements in traditional institution reforms. We won’t allow boundary issues to derail this progress,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, appealed to disputing parties to embrace the committee’s mediation efforts.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biodun Aikomo, reassured all parties of the committee’s impartiality. “We will conduct thorough investigations and deliver resolutions based on justice and fairness,” he concluded.
