L-R: High Chief G.A.D. Olofinro (Orin-Ekiti Chief); SA Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana; Seriki’n Fulani Ekiti State, Alh. Abashe Adamu; Coordinator, Anti grazing Ekiti State, Major Awe O. Tajudeen (Rtd.); 2iC NSCDC Ekiti State, Amodu Isa Baba, and High Chief Francis Falua (Orin-Ekiti) during the Conflict resolution meeting held at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti today.
In a first of a series meeting facilitated by the Office of the Special Adviser Security to Ekiti State Government, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, the leadership of farmers and herders community in the State met in Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti to discuss and formulate a sustainable agenda on peaceful co-existence.
The meeting was organized following the spate of looming crisis in Orin-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the State, after some Fulani Herdsmen were alleged to have hoisted a red flag in a part of the community, signaling takeover.
Farmers in Orin-Ekiti claimed that the advent of herders in the community has spelled doom for their farming activities as cattle owned by the herders incessantly feed on their farm produce. This has led to unrest in the community.
According to Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Kayode Fayemi, is committed to ensuring peace reign in the State through strategic security measures vis-à-vis functional policies and programmes.
“Ekiti State has enjoyed uninterrupted peace for a long time until the recent crisis that broke in Orin-Ekiti which has led to a serious dispute between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the community. Ekiti State Government has since commenced investigations while deploying resolution measures to end the dispute and restore peace in the community.
“We have also been holding meetings with other security agencies in the State on the need to adopt strategies to curb other foreseen crisis in the State,” he said.
The Special Adviser on Security also noted that State Government has implored members of Orin-Ekiti community and the herders to live in peace while a lasting solution is being looked into.
“We have discussed with both parties involved to exercise patience and cohabit in peace while we discuss with Governor Fayemi on the matter. We will recall these stakeholders to another meeting to finally inform them on the decision of the government which I am sure, will be favourable to both farmers and herders in the community,” he said.
Members of the Fulani herdsmen, led by the Seriki’n Fulani Ekiti State, Alhaji Abacha Adamu present in the meeting have denied allegations made by Orin-Ekiti community over the hoisting of red flag to initiate a takeover. They insisted that the move was made by some unidentified persons who want to initiate chaos in the community.
In attendance were; Hon. Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Aare Muyiwa Olumilua; Special Adviser, Communications and Staregy, Sola Salako Ajulo (Mrs.); Senior Special Assistant, Non State Security, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Dele; Senior Special Assistant, Internal Security, Mr. Durodola Shola; 2IC National Civil Defense Corps, Amodu Isa Baba; Coordinator Antigrazing, Major Awe O. Tajudeen; PS (MARD), Engr. E. Oludare Abegunde; General Manager-Directorate of Farm Settlement and Peasant Farmers Development, Oludare Asaolu; representative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Godstine Alohan.
Representatives of farmers and herders include; Alhaji Abacha Adamu, Mohammed Jima, Idrisa Abu (Ido/Osi L.G.A. herders); High Chief Francis Falua, High Chief G.A.D. Olofinro, Chief Olu Abel A. (representing farmers and residents in Orin-Ekiti), amongst others.
In his comments, a Legal Practitioner who is also an idigene of Ipole-Iloro (Ekiti West LGA), Barr. Busuyi Ayorinde appraised the State Government in it’s efforts to improve the standard of living of the people by ensuring peace in the land. He submitted that the government has taken an important step to resolving issues emanating from incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Orin-Ekiti, saying that Governor Fayemi’s administration has been strategic yet lawful in it’s approach to restoring peace in Ekiti.
He also advised the State Government to establish laws regulating the activities of herdsmen across the State, adding that this will go a long way to forestall peace in the community and also avoid other foreseen crisis in the state.