The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently establish a State Boundary Commission to address the recurring boundary disputes between Ogun and neighboring states, particularly Oyo.
Elemide made the appeal during a fact-finding mission to disputed communities including Eleso-Iya Dudu, Ataakan, and Aiyegbede, where boundary beacons were inspected along the Ogun-Oyo boundary axis.
According to the Speaker, the proposed commission would develop strategies to explore historical land documents and ensure continuity in resolving boundary conflicts.
“There is an urgent need for a dedicated State Boundary Commission that will not only keep coordinated records of land ownership but also engage with the National Boundary Commission on a continuous basis,” Elemide said.
The Speaker, who was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Hon. Bolanle Ajayi, seven other lawmakers, and the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Mrs. Folasade Adeyemo, was also joined by members of the State Technical Committee on Boundary Matters under the Office of the Deputy Governor, representatives of the State Commissioner of Police, and the Commandant of Amotekun Corps.
While acknowledging the coordination efforts of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, in handling boundary issues, Elemide emphasized that a commission would ensure non-tenured and seamless documentation.
“The Deputy Governor has done a remarkable job, but we need a structure that continues regardless of tenure,” he noted.
He urged the state government to invest more in infrastructural development, especially road construction, in the disputed areas to give residents a sense of belonging.
“We are appealing to the Governor to provide more road networks and infrastructure to these communities. Development should not be stalled due to boundary issues,” he added.
Elemide also implored the Ogun State Police Command to deploy officers to the affected areas to curb recurring attacks on residents.
“There is a pressing need for additional security posts. We must protect our people from further harassment,” he stressed.
The Speaker further assured the communities that the House would pass a resolution conveying its findings and recommendations to the State Governor and the National Boundary Commission.
“We are committed to using all legislative tools at our disposal to address this issue,” he stated.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Mrs. Folasade Adeyemo, praised the lawmakers for their visit and support.
She appealed for the prompt intervention of the state government. “We appreciate the Speaker and his team. We urge Governor Abiodun to help bring a lasting solution to this matter,” she said.
