Professor Okechukwu Richard Oji, a Political Science expert at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving boundary disputes in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East region among the Igbo people.
Delivering ESUT’s 40th inaugural lecture on “Politics of the Fence and Politics of the Bridge: Desiderata for Effective Boundary Management in Nigeria,” Prof. Oji attributed many boundary disputes to colonial-era demarcations, which separated Igbo communities across different states. He lamented that this separation weakened the Igbo’s political influence and led to marginalization and disunity among communities sharing ethnic and cultural ties.
Highlighting the presence of significant Igbo populations in states like Kogi, Benue, Delta, Edo, Rivers, and Cross River, Prof. Oji noted that despite their shared heritage, these communities remain politically and administratively divided, exacerbating challenges of cohesion and representation.
He lauded traditional institutions, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups for their peacebuilding contributions and called for the adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods to address disputes. He also proposed the establishment of an Institute for Boundary Studies at ESUT to foster tolerance, cooperation, and sustainable conflict resolution.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Dr. Felix Nnamani, commended Prof. Oji’s impactful lecture, aligning it with Enugu State’s developmental goals. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, and other dignitaries stressed the need to address boundary disputes that have led to significant losses in the region.