The Ekiti State government has hailed the Federal Government over the National Boundary Commission (NBC) resolve to mediate in the lingering border dispute between Eda Oniyo-Ekiti and Obbo-Ayegunle in Kwara State, describing the gesture as the best way to de-escalate tension.

The deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who spoke at an Ekiti/Kwara joint meeting held to resolve the crisis, assured the people that Governor Biodun Oyebanji, will work to ensure that the dispute does not strain the cordial relationship between the two states.

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her office, Leke Adefolaju, noted that the areas, under contention, were demarcated by Colonial Administration as the boundary between the Northern and Southern Protectorates, saying the crisis stemmed from the planting of economic trees by Kwara farmers to areas that fall within Ekiti province.

Afuye, who acknowledged the pivotal role of agriculture in the economic survival of any country, said the government did not expect the farmers to exhibit actions suggesting that they were the rightful owners of the occupied regions, despite seeing the features erected to demarcate the region.

She commended the states and the traditional institutions of the two communities for dousing tension and adopting diplomacy to tackle some of the raging issues, as dialogue remains the best way forward.

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“I commend the NBC for its commitment to promoting peaceful boundary management across the federation. I also commend the government of Kwara State for embracing dialogue and cooperation.

“The spirit of collaboration reflects our shared belief that no dispute is beyond resolution when parties are guided by sincerity, respect for the rule of law and commitment to national unity.

“Governor Oyebanji remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of Ekiti State while maintaining cordial relationship with neighbouring states. We shall continue to support every lawful initiative that promotes peaceful coexistence, justice and sustainable development in our border communities,” he said.

Similarly, the Kwara State deputy governor, Kayode Alabi, represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Mr. Ayantola Malomo, urged the NBC not to rely on colonial documents alone, saying other existing archival documents with probative values  should be out into considerations.

Alabi said theKwara would not oppose the idea of the two states reaching agreements and making concessions to resolve the matter, describing the states as neighbours who should live together harmoniously and beneficially.

The Director-General of NBC, Adamu Adaji, who presided over the interface, assured that all the technical issues, histories and the ambiguities in the features used for  demarcation of the 70 kilometres stretch between the two states by the colonial masters will be considered to tackle the age-long crisis.

In tackling the crisis, Adaji assured that the border areas between the communities and up to Erinmope and Odo-Owa axis will be demarcated to avert future land imbroglio.