Officials of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) from Oyo and Osun States have initiated fresh steps to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute between the Ifon and Surulere communities in the two neighbouring states.
It was gathered that a stakeholders’ meeting was held on Thursday in Surulere, Oyo State, bringing together representatives of both state governments, boundary commission officials, community leaders, and members of the joint boundary committee.
Speaking at the meeting, the Osun State Chairman of the National Boundary Commission, Justice Kunle Adeigbe, said the engagement was aimed at achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution to the crisis, which has affected relations between the two communities.
Adeigbe explained that the Osun State Government became aware of the dispute early and moved swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
He said: “Peaceful coexistence is essential for growth and development, especially in developing communities such as Ifon and Surulere. We must come together, resolve the boundary issues, and work collectively for the peace and progress of our people.”
He noted that although the National Boundary Commission in Abuja has the final authority to determine boundary matters, it was important for both states and communities to explore compromise and dialogue ahead of a final decision.
“Our priority is peace. That is why we are here—to understand the situation and prevent any form of violence that could threaten lives and property,” Adeigbe added.
He further clarified that the commission does not intervene in boundary disputes already before the courts, in order to maintain transparency and public confidence in the process.
Adeigbe also urged local government chairmen and traditional rulers from both communities to work together to ensure that farming activities continue peacefully on the disputed land while discussions are ongoing.
Earlier, the Surveyor-General of Oyo State and representative of the Oyo State Boundary Commission, Mr Soji Oyewale, stressed that constructive dialogue remained the most effective path to resolving the crisis.
According to Oyewale, boundary disputes hinder development and discourage investment. “Wherever there is boundary conflict, development cannot thrive and investors will stay away,” he said.
“Oyo and Osun are both laying claim to the area, but the National Boundary Commission will address the issue peacefully and without rancour. Once due process is followed and a final decision is made, everyone will be satisfied,” he added.
Oyewale advised residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring that boundary committees set up by both states were actively handling the matter.
He also urged that farmers should be allowed to continue their work without harassment, warning that any obstruction could amount to lawlessness.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Surulere community, Mr Adegbite Isaiah, appealed to both communities to maintain peace and allow the authorities to take appropriate action. He called on the boundary commissions of both states to fast-track efforts toward a permanent resolution.
It was gathered that legal representatives from both communities submitted boundary documents during the meeting to support their respective claims.
A representative of the Ifon community, Mr Olasupo Aderemi, said Ifon maintained peaceful boundaries with several neighbouring communities and expressed optimism that the dispute with Surulere would be resolved amicably. He disclosed that relevant documents had already been submitted to the Osun State Government.
On his part, a representative of the Surulere community, Mr Ade Adekunle, alleged that some residents had been forced to flee their homes following attacks by unknown assailants from Ifon.
He appealed to the commission to help displaced residents return home and resume their farming and businesses.
The meeting ended with a renewed call for calm, cooperation, and continued engagement as both states work towards a peaceful and lasting solution to the boundary dispute.
