The Oyo State Government has appealed for restraint and constructive dialogue amid growing tensions over a land boundary dispute with neighboring Osun State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, emphasized the importance of de-escalating public altercations and allowing both state governments to focus on resolving the matter through official channels.
“We are appealing to all parties to refrain from inflammatory statements and allow the ongoing discussions between the two state governments to proceed in a mature and responsible manner,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner noted that while the media tends to amplify conflict, continued verbal attacks only serve as distractions from the genuine efforts of Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke to reach a peaceful resolution.
“Governors Makinde and Adeleke are fully committed to working with the National Boundary Commission through their appointed representatives. Both leaders believe that the longstanding issue can be resolved amicably,” he added.
Oyelade also cautioned traditional institutions to play a supportive rather than disruptive role in the peace process.
“The two governments believe that the protracted land dispute is not intractable, and traditional institutions should not be a clog in the wheel of peaceful resolution,” he stated.
The appeal comes in response to a series of public exchanges between stakeholders in both states regarding the disputed boundary, raising concerns about heightened tensions in affected communities.
