The Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful boundary administration and sustainable conflict resolution, unveiling a three-pronged framework for managing inter-state and community boundary issues at the 3rd Annual National Assembly/Border and Boundary Community Stakeholders’ Interface.
The goodwill message was delivered by the Chairman of the Osun State Boundary Commission, Hon. Justice M.A. Kunle Adeigbe (Rtd.), on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Osun State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, His Excellency, Prince Kola Adewusi, at the stakeholders’ interface organised by the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration.
Speaking before lawmakers, members of state boundary committees, traditional rulers, development partners, surveyors, legal practitioners and other stakeholders, Justice Adeigbe conveyed the goodwill of Governor Asiwaju Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke and the people of Osun State, while commending the Senate Committee for sustaining the annual platform for dialogue on border governance.
He stressed that boundaries should not merely be viewed as geographical demarcations but as instruments of peace, effective governance and socioeconomic development.
According to him, “Boundaries are not lines on paper alone. They are lines of peace, of service delivery, and of coexistence. When boundaries are clear and respected, communities plan better, invest confidently and live in harmony.”
Justice Adeigbe highlighted the guiding philosophy behind Osun State’s approach to boundary management, describing it as a model anchored on three fundamental principles: Record, Method and Restraint.
He explained that under the Record principle, the state relies on gazetted maps, professionally prepared survey plans and comprehensive administrative records, noting that credible documentation remains the foundation of any successful boundary resolution process.
On Method, he said the state combines field verification, technical evidence and continuous engagement with affected communities to ensure that decisions are based on facts rather than sentiments.
The third principle, Restraint, he noted, encourages impartiality, discourages inflammatory rhetoric and promotes dialogue, consensus-building and proper documentation of agreements reached by parties.
Justice Adeigbe said the framework has enabled Osun State to handle boundary matters with fairness, professionalism and objectivity while producing reliable reports for government consideration.
He reaffirmed the state's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Boundary Commission, neighbouring states and the National Assembly in promoting lasting solutions to boundary-related challenges across the country.
Addressing residents of border communities, he appealed for sustained cooperation with survey teams and government officials, urging them to respect lawful procedures and protect boundary pillars, which he described as essential assets for maintaining peace and fostering development.
“Your peace is the purpose of this work. Continue to cooperate with surveyors, honour lawful processes and protect boundary pillars. Development follows where peace leads,” he stated.
Justice Adeigbe also called on the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to deepen institutional collaboration by harmonising standards for boundary administration, strengthening technical capacity and providing adequate funding for surveys, mapping and public sensitisation programmes.
He maintained that improved investment in boundary management would enhance public confidence, reduce disputes and create an enabling environment for sustainable development in border communities nationwide.
Reaffirming Osun State’s readiness to contribute to national efforts, he assured participants that the state remains willing to share its experience, technical methodology and relevant data to support improved boundary governance across Nigeria.
The event brought together policymakers, government officials, traditional institutions and technical experts to deliberate on practical strategies for addressing boundary disputes, promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening governance in border communities.
Justice Adeigbe concluded by expressing appreciation to the organisers for the invitation and expressed optimism that the interface would produce practical and enduring outcomes that would advance peace, cooperation and national development.
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