The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo has urged the inhabitants of border communities between Oyo and Ogun States to embrace peaceful co-existence just as he enjoined them to shun any act that can lead to outbreak of violence in their areas.

Otunba Adeyemo made the appeal while addressing newsmen shortly after the joint meeting of officials of Oyo/Ogun interstate boundary held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.
While expressing happiness that the meeting was held in a brotherly atmosphere, the deputy governor reiterated the resolve of the two sister States to find amicable resolution of the dispute in the overall interest of the two States.

He said that the two State governments would continue to educate and enlighten the border communities to always maintain peace until the boundary was physically demarcated on the ground.
While emphasizing the need for economic integration of the two sister States, Otunba Adeyemo advised the residents of the border areas to abide by the laws applicable in their host State whenever they venture out of their domain for business purposes. Speaking on the occasion, the deputy governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun expressed support for the inauguration of the committee to look into the various issues raised on the border dispute.

He consequently pledged the readiness of Ogun State government to collaborate with Oyo State to arrive at a just decision on the dispute.  Areas in dispute included Moriwi between Iwajowa and Imeko-Afon local government and Bakatari between Ido and Odeda local government of Oyo and Ogun States respectively. To ensure quick resolution of the dispute, Otunba Adeyemo disclosed that a committee comprising officials of the two States had been set up. The committee which had between three to five months to complete its mission included the following officials of the two States or their representatives.

They are; the Surveyor-General, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, commissioner for Local government, the State Attorney-General, commissioner of police, Director of the State Security Services and chairmen of the affected local governments.Amongst others, the committee is to examine the 1996 resolution of the National Boundary Commission and to establish the boundary of each State accordingly, to look into ways to ensure everlasting peace in the affected communities and as well examine any other issues incidental to boundary resolution.

Other Oyo State government functionaries at the meeting included the State commissioner for Lands and Housing, Information and Orientation, local government and chieftaincy matters and environment, Hon Bimbo Kolade, Pastor Taiwo Otegbeye, Hon Ajiboye Omodewu and Hon Lowo Obisesan respectively, Special Advisers and the State Surveyor-General amongst others.
On the entourage of Ogun State government led by the State deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun were commissioners for local government, Information, Housing and Special duties, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipupo, Alhaji Yusuff Olaniyan, Hon Daniel Adejobi and Hon Olu Odeyemi amongst others.