By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

In a bid to strengthen the cordial relationship capable of withstanding any form of threat, the Ekiti and Ondo state governments have swung into action to resolve the lingering boundary disputes across border towns shared by the two states.

This unanimous and far-reaching decision was reached during a strategic meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Thursday, when the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, led a delegation to her Ondo State counterpart, Dr Olaide Adelami.

The peace parley was convened in response to the strained relations and protracted boundary impasse among several border communities, with a focus on finding lasting solutions to the age-long disputes.

Some of the flashpoints identified as grappling with persistent and troubling land crises include Emure Ekiti and Supare, Ugbesi Ekiti and Igasi Akoko, Ahan Ayegunle Ekiti and Oke Agbe, Imesi Ekiti and Irun Akoko, among others.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the two states have maintained a cordial and enduring relationship since 1976, stressing that the crises would not be allowed to escalate or derail progress.

She emphasised the urgency of initiating various peace efforts to forestall violence and bloodshed at the grassroots level.

According to her, Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains a staunch advocate of peace, good neighbourliness, and the building of bridges with neighbouring states to curb insecurity and trans-border crimes.

“Ekiti and Ondo states have come a long way. Let us imbibe the spirit of give and take in resolving these issues. We have been pushing for a dialogue, and we’re grateful to the people of Ondo State for embracing this peace initiative.

“There is nothing to gain from fighting or killing ourselves. It is far better to engage in dialogue and resolve our differences peacefully. Boundary disputes often lead to loss of lives and property. We must prevent this,” she said.

Reaffirming the unbreakable bond between the two states, the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olaide Adelami, lauded the Ekiti State Government for championing the peace initiative and for believing in collaborative efforts to address the boundary challenges.

Dr Adelami pledged the unwavering support of the Ondo State Government in tackling the issues, adding that the unity between the two states remains solid.

“I commend the Ekiti State Deputy Governor for this initiative. This meeting sends a strong message to our people that we are engaging and ready to work together to resolve these boundary issues.

“The technical committees from both states will meet to examine and demarcate the contentious areas. Settling land disputes has always been a continuous effort. In 2023, the National Boundary Commission (NBC) visited Ondo State to address similar matters, and we agreed on the establishment of tripartite points between states.

“We are brothers and sisters long before the creation of Ekiti State. What separates us is merely artificial demarcation. In culture and tradition, we are one and indivisible.

“Following this meeting, we believe peace is on the horizon. Our joint efforts will send a clear message to the affected communities. Dialogue and cooperation remain our best options to resolve these disputes amicably,” he stated.

At the meeting, the technical committees of both states were mandated to engage with the affected communities on the need to embrace peace, ahead of the final meeting of experts who will oversee the peace process.

Present at the meeting were members of the Boundary Technical Committees, including the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi; his Ondo State counterpart, Mr Idowu Ojo; Ondo State Surveyor-General, Surveyor Idowu Owolabi; Ekiti State Surveyor-General, Surveyor Adebayo Faleto; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mr Victor Adeniyi; Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Boundary Commission, Surveyor Olalekan Olajide; and his Ondo State counterpart, Surveyor Francis Daramola, among others.