The Ogun State House of Assembly has stepped in to mediate a growing dispute over prescribing authority between the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, Oba AbdulAzeez Akinde, and the Olofin of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Lamidi Osolo, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
In a move to prevent further escalation, the Assembly’s Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, chaired by Hon. Jemili Akingbade, has directed both monarchs to maintain the status quo.
Lawmakers instructed that no further Baale installations should take place, and neither party should exercise any form of prescribing authority in the contested areas until a resolution is reached.
Speaking at a session held at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Akingbade emphasized the importance of maintaining peace.
“As traditional rulers, you are the custodians of culture and tradition. It is crucial to ensure peaceful coexistence in your communities and avoid actions that could disrupt harmony,” he stated.
The lawmakers urged the monarchs to engage in consultations with key stakeholders within their domains, using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to address boundary and chieftaincy authority concerns.
To ensure a lasting resolution, the Committee announced plans to collaborate with the Office of the Surveyor-General, the Attorney General, and the National Boundary Commission.
This, they said, would help properly delineate the land boundaries in contention and prevent future conflicts.
In their respective responses, both Oba Akinde and Oba Osolo pledged to work towards maintaining peace, assuring the Assembly of their commitment to resolving the matter amicably in the best interest of their communities.
