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Following rising tension between the Osogbo and Ede communities over a boundary dispute, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, met with the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, on Friday.
They resolved to establish a 14-member committee aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence between the two communities.
The committee, consisting of seven members from each community, is tasked with the amicable resolution of boundary disputes that may arise between Osogbo and Ede.
The recent installation of the Ajeniju of Hallelujah, Oba Jelili Olaiya, by the Timi led to an uproar, particularly on social media, with accusations against the Ede community of plotting to annex parts of Osogbo.
During a meeting at the Ataoja Palace attended by chiefs and prominent indigenes from both communities, Oba Lawal stated that the allegations against him and his community should be disregarded.
Oba Lawal, recalling the harmonious relationship between past traditional rulers of Ede and Osogbo, pledged to work with the Ataoja to maintain the current amicable relationship.
“What we are here to do today is to clear the air regarding the allegations against us in Ede on social media. The allegations are untrue.
“I am very pleased with what we have heard today. The people of Osogbo have expressed their commitment to peace. We in Ede are also committed to peace. The two communities are closely knit, and we must uphold the peace inherited from our ancestors. The media should help communicate that Osogbo and Ede are united. We are for peace.
“As stated by the Ataoja, we will work on the inter-community committee. We will select seven people from Ede. The committee will work to strengthen existing peace and address areas of difference, thus preventing disputes.
“This committee existed in previous years. We will revive it. On behalf of the Timi Council, we are here to assure you that Osogbo and Ede are friends. The Ataoja and Timi are friends. I appreciate his support, and I hope one day Ede will reciprocate the gesture to Osogbo. We assure you that nothing can come between Ede and Osogbo,” Oba Lawal said.
Earlier, Oba Oyetunji emphasised the need to avoid spreading false information, which could jeopardise peace.
Oba Oyetunji, who revealed plans to revive the inter-community committee, directed Chief Ajadi Badmus, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, to consult other prominent indigenes and propose the names of seven individuals to represent his community on the committee.
He further stated, “In the past, we had a committee of 14 members, co-chaired by representatives from both towns. When the committee met in Osogbo, an indigene of Osogbo would chair the meeting, and when it met in Ede, an indigene of Ede would chair.
“This meeting aims to ease tensions over an alleged land dispute. Additionally, the two towns share a historical relationship that cannot be destroyed.
“With the cooperation of my chiefs and elders of Osogbo, we are ready to resuscitate the inter-community committee comprising members from both towns. I urge the Timi to also select members to represent Ede on the committee.”
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