Ekiti, Kwara Communities Move Toward Peace as NBC Mediates Border Dispute

The Ekiti State Government commends the Federal Government after the National Boundary Commission (NBC) resolves to mediate in the long-running boundary dispute between Eda Oniyo community in Ekiti State and Obbo-Ayegunle community in Kwara State.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr Leke Adefolaju, gives the commendation at a joint Ekiti/Kwara meeting convened to resolve the dispute. She describes the NBC’s intervention as the best way to de-escalate tension and avert bloodshed between the two communities.

“I commend the NBC for its unwavering commitment to promoting peaceful boundary management across the federation. I also commend the government of Kwara State for embracing dialogue and cooperation,” Mrs Afuye says. She adds that Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the state while maintaining cordial relations with neighbouring Kwara State.

The National Boundary Commission’s Director-General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, who presides over the meeting, says the commission will examine the technical history and ambiguities surrounding the colonial-era demarcation of the 70-kilometre stretch between the two states. He says the boundary areas up to the Erinmope and Odo Owa axis will be properly demarcated to prevent future conflict, noting that communities along the border share similar culture, ethnicity and tradition.

According to background provided at the meeting, the disputed area was demarcated by the colonial administration as the boundary between the Northern and Southern Protectorates. The current tension stems from Kwara State farmers planting economic trees on land that Ekiti State claims falls within its territory.

The dispute has previously turned violent. In 2023, armed men from Obbo-Ayegunle allegedly attacked Eda Oniyo, leading to the death of one person, Bayo Agbetoke, 32. The incident prompted the deployment of soldiers, police and the Amotekun Corps to the area.

Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, represented by his Principal Private Secretary, also speaks at the meeting, welcoming the collaborative approach to resolving the crisis.

Officials who attend the meeting include the Chairmen of Local Government Areas from both states, Chairman of the Ekiti State Boundary Commission, Surveyor Kayode Olaosebikan, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola, President of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union, Dr Rufus Ajayi, and representatives of Obbo-Ayegunle led by Architect Ogun, alongside representatives of Osi community in Kwara State.

The NBC is expected to develop a new resolution framework acceptable to both states as part of ongoing efforts to permanently settle the boundary dispute.