In response to escalating tensions over a boundary dispute between the Osogbo and Ede communities, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, convened on Friday to find a resolution.
They have agreed to establish a 14-member peace committee, with seven representatives from each community, to address and resolve any boundary issues amicably.
The recent installation of Oba Jelili Olaiya as the Ajeniju of Hallelujah by the Timi sparked controversy and allegations on social media that the Ede community was attempting to annex parts of Osogbo.
During a meeting at the Ataoja Palace, attended by chiefs and notable figures from both communities, Oba Lawal urged that the accusations against Ede be dismissed as unfounded. He recalled the historically positive relationship between the traditional rulers of Ede and Osogbo and expressed a commitment to preserving this harmony.
“We are here today to dispel the false allegations circulating on social media about Ede. These claims are baseless,” Oba Lawal said. “I am heartened by the Osogbo community’s commitment to peace, and Ede shares that commitment. We must uphold the peace handed down by our ancestors. The media should convey that Osogbo and Ede remain united in their pursuit of peace.”
He continued, “We are reviving the inter-community committee, which existed in the past. We will select seven members from Ede to join their Osogbo counterparts on this committee. The goal is to reinforce peace and resolve any disputes before they escalate.”
Oba Oyetunji emphasized the importance of avoiding misinformation that could disrupt peace. He revealed plans to revive the inter-community committee and instructed Chief Ajadi Badmus, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, to consult with other prominent figures to propose seven representatives from Osogbo.
“In the past, our committee of 14 members was co-chaired by representatives from both towns. Meetings were chaired alternately by an Osogbo indigene and an Ede indigene,” Oba Oyetunji explained. “This meeting is intended to alleviate tensions related to the land dispute. The historic relationship between our towns is strong and cannot be undone.”
He added, “With the support of my chiefs and elders, we are prepared to reinstate the inter-community committee. I urge the Timi to appoint members from Ede for this important task.”
The formation of the committee is seen as a positive step towards resolving the boundary dispute and reinforcing the longstanding relationship between Osogbo and Ede.
