ABEOKUTA–The Ogun State Government and officials of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), have paid an on-the-spot visit to Tongeji Island for ethnographic survey, in furtherance of effort to find a lasting solution to the lingering boundary crisis between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mrs. Khadijat Ahmed, who led the team to the Palace of the Akoko of Tongeji Island, Oba ObabiOlorunkosi Okiki, informed that the Prince Dapo Abiodun led-administration was determined to resolve all boundary issues in the State.
Mrs. Ahmed added that the visit would help in addressing the misunderstanding, inadequate information and facts pertaining to the first settlers at the boundary.
“It is high time we find a lasting solution to the continuous boundary crisis between Ogun, other States and countries before matters get out of hands and for peace to reign’’, she said.
In his remarks, the leader of NBC team, Mr. Femi Osinaike said the purpose of the survey was to obtain first hand facts on the area, confirm the identity of first settlers and the location of communities along the boundary corridor of Nigeria and Republic of Benin, through an in-depth study of the history, geography, general administration of the settlement and infrastructural facilities.
He added that the Commission has been doing all within its power to resolve the problems arising from shared boundaries and would not relent in its efforts.
Also speaking, Oba Okiki commended the State government and NBC team for their efforts, saying the exercise came at the appropriate time, noting that many of their lands had been encroached, while farmlands were also destroyed, appealing to the government to come to their aid.
The team also visited the Palace of Onipokia of Ipokia, Oba Adeniyi Olaniyan and Oniko of Ikolaje, Idiroko, Oba John Ojo, for an interactive session with Baales, Chiefs and community leaders to gather more information about the boundary border communities’ issues.
