Ogun moves to resolve Yoruba, Fulani clashes

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has begun moves to resolve the lingering crises between the Yoruba Communities and Hausa/Fulani/Bororo herdsmen in Yewa North and other parts of the state which had resulted in the destruction of lives and property.The governor initiated the move through an inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Muyiwa Oladipo.

Oladipo said the government was committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence across communities in the state. He noted that the desire for peace prompted the Ibikunle Amosun administration to call for an all-inclusive stakeholders’ meeting.

The commissioner also explained that the crises could no longer be allowed to persist among the affected communities as the situation had threatened security in the state.

He urged the Yoruba communities, Hausa/ Fulani as well as the Bororo herdsmen to be peace loving, accommodating and be patient with one another as the government would resolve the crisis.

A statement by the Press Officer, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Lateef Ositelu, on Sunday quoted Oladipo as saying, ‘‘I wish to assure all our Hausa/Fulani brothers that, Ogun State is one of the most accommodating and hospitable states in Nigeria and we should build a lasting relationship which will pave the way for socio- economic development and good government. We should understand that in every society, there is bound to be conflicts but the spirit of tolerance, perseverance and brotherliness should be allowed to prevail as the anchor of our unity in the state and Nigeria as a whole.”

The commissioner said the meeting revealed many social lapses which he said one of them was the lack of platform for communication between the host Yoruba communities and Hausa/ Fulani herdsmen.

According to the commissioner, the government has ordered the constitution of Peace Committee comprising Obas/ Baales of the host communities and Seriki Hausa/ Fulani herdsmen.

The committee, he added, had been mandated to commence its meeting immediately in order to bridge the gap of lack of mutual relationship, love and understanding across communities in the state.

He also said government had concluded plans to create official grazing route, which he explained when completed, would assist in controlling the cattle straying and destroying valuable farm crops among others in the host communities.

Oladipo further said there were plans to provide adequate security patrol to curb robbery and rape cases reported in some of the host communities.

Also, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wemimo Ogunde (SAN) who was represented by Mr. Bamidele Adebayo, said the government had instructed the ministry to provide legal solution to assist in ending the feud.

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