Ekiti Deputy Gov Afuye Urges NBC To Adopt “Give And Take” Strategy To Resolve Boundary Disputes

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye has revealed strategy being adopted by the state to co habit peacefully with its neighbours.

This is just as many states of the federation are currently locked in fierce inter- state boundary disputes.

The Deputy Governor, urged the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to adopt and promote the “give and take” strategy to resolve some of these raging challenges.

Mrs Afuye described boundary dispute as complex in nature and that NBC, being an umbrella body for resolution of disputes can motivate the states to build the spirit of “give and take” to douse the tensions, which often lead to frictions and bloodshed.

The Deputy Governor gave the advice, on Wednesday, during a working visit to the NBC Director General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji at its headquarters in Abuja.

Briefing the Director General on efforts being made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to resolve the boundary disputes in Ekiti, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the strategy has been the magic wand deployed to resolve some intractable land tussles.

She expressed regret that some challenges being confronted in terms of conflict and crisis over boundaries among states predated Nigeria’s independence, which she said makes the situation more complicated and difficult to tackle.

“Many of these disputes have their origin in the creation of States and Local Governments by the Federal Governments. Some of the disputes dated back to the colonial period implying that they had been on for over 60 years.

“Since the commencement of the Governor Oyebanji administration, we have made all efforts to ensure peaceful resolution of many of our intra and inter-town as well as inter-state boundary disputes.

“We have continued to preach love, forgiveness, tolerance and the need for communities to embrace the spirit of ‘Give and Take’ among feuding communities.

“This has largely paid off in our quest to ensure peaceful coexistence between and among the various communities in our state. Ekiti State has boundaries with four neighboring states of Ondo, Osun, Kwara and Kogi.”

Mrs Afuye pointed out that she was aware that midwifing inter-state dispute resolution is the responsibility of the NBC, stating that the States have the obligation of taking the initiative in resolving inter-state boundary disputes based on peculiarities.

“In this regard, when we noticed the building of tension between Ogotun Ekiti and Ikeji Ile and Arakeji in Osun State, we not only appealed to Ogotun community to eschew bitterness and maintain peace, I also alongside some of my officials visited my counterpart, Prince Kola Adewusi, Deputy Governor of Osun State in Osogbo.

“The interface paid off as peace has since returned. We however took some decisions aimed at bringing permanent resolution of the dispute between our two states which we have started implementing.

“The Director General would recall that Ekiti State wrote a letter informing the National Boundary Commission about the brewing unrest between Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State and Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara State. It is sad and regrettable to note that one of the youths of Eda Oniyo lost his life to the crisis.

“Ekiti state made spirited efforts to dialogue with Kwara to prevent the crisis but the meeting never took place. Meanwhile the Boundary Technical Committee of both States will be meeting with the National Boundary Commission on the matter next week. It is my hope that the NBC will resolve the matter very soon.”

Mrs Afuye regretted the challenges being confronted in the Eastern edge of the boundary between Emure Ekiti and Supare Akoko in Odo State, saying it is an established fact that River Oyinmo remains the border between the two states, but Ondo state has continued to breach the age long agreement.

“Only recently, Emure Ekiti community reported that Supare Akoko in Ondo State has erected a sign post at an area that is undoubtedly Ekiti land. While we have continued to appeal to our people to maintain peace, I urge the NBC to take action by bringing the Technical Committee of both states together to resolve the issue so that it does not escalate into avoidable crisis.

“It is important to ensure peace across our borders to boost our economy and check trans-border criminals, kidnappers and bandits that are constantly terrorizing our communities. It is therefore important that states must always strive to work together to make our nation a safe and secured entity.”