Insecurity: Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji Unites Farmers, Herders for Peaceful Coexistence in Oluyole LGInsecurity: Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji Unites Farmers, Herders for Peaceful Coexistence in Oluyole LG
•••As Oluyole Stakeholders Meet to Promote Peace
•••As Dr Moronkola Thomas Says “insecurity is a great hindrance to socio-economic development”
Oluyole, Oyo State :A stakeholders meeting aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders was held yesterday at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat.
The meeting, themed “Towards a Peaceful Farmers-Herders Relationship,” was hosted by Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Asiwaju (Engr) Akeem Olatunji, and featured Dr. Moronkola Thomas, Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, as the guest speaker.
The event began with prayers, the national anthem, and the state anthem, setting a tone of unity and cooperation.
Chairman Olatunji after disclosing the meeting’s agendas emphasized on the need for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, citing recent conflicts that resulted in loss of lives and properties.
“Insecurity is not solely attributed to the Fulanis, as other ethnic groups, including Yorubas, are also involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities,” Olatunji said. “It is not only the Fulanis that kidnap. There are some Yoruba and other tribes that have joined hands in kidnapping, making it a business that can’t be traced to one particular tribe.”
Olatunji also pointed out the role of traditional leaders in perpetuating insecurity, citing instances where traditional leaders gave or sold land to strangers, who are not Nigerian Fulanis but intruders who came as a result of money given to the traditional leaders.
“The traditional leaders should ensure they know the details and the identity of those they will be accommodating in their community , giving lands to,” Olatunji advised. “Majority of those perpetrators are from Niger and Chad and are not Nigerians. Some of them are even bold to say that they have given traditional leaders big money.”
Olatunji stressed that the indigenous Fulanis in Nigeria have the right to live in any part of the country such as the yorubas and igbos have. He also encouraged constant relationship among the traditional leaders, the herders, and farmers and proper database of the indigenous herders.
“The advantage is that the herders will be able to quickly fish out perpetrators since they speak the same language,” Olatunji said. “The meeting has hosted a combination of security personnel, farmers, herders, and traditional leaders for a working dialogue to enhance peaceful environment in Oluyole Local Government.”
Olatunji added that the Seyi Makinde-led administration has taken proactive steps to tackle insecurity in the state and needs the cooperation of the people.
Dr. Thomas, in his address, highlighted Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to security, citing the creation of Amotekun, a security outfit that has collaborated with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace in the state.
“Governor Makinde believes in peaceful coexistence and peaceful environment,” Thomas said. “That’s why he has invested so much in security. The result is the creation of Amotekun, who have joined hands with law enforcement agents in the state to bring about peace in the state.”
Alonge Isaac Olugbenga, Deputy Commander and Head of Agro Rangers, Oyo State, encouraged a cordial relationship between traditional leaders and Fulani herders to tackle emerging problems.
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders,” Olugbenga said. “We will continue to provide security and support to farmers and herders to ensure their safety and well-being.”
Olugbenga also urged the state government to create more space for Agro Rangers in Ibadan Metropolises, citing Oluyole LG, Egbeda, and Akinyele as instances where Agro Rangers can be fitted.
The Police representative charged farmers and herders to maintain a peaceful relationship, citing scenarios of repeated murders that occurred in less than two weeks.
Speaking to Eagles’ Sight News on the key points of the stakeholders meeting, Dr. Thomas said one of the vocal points rests on security of life and prosperity in Oyo State.
“The governor believes in the welfare of the people, moving from poverty to prosperity,” Thomas said. “For this to happen, socio-economic activities must go on without hindrance or disruption.”
Hon Thomas added that insecurity is a great hindrance to socio-economic development, and that is why the governor has committed to serve in terms of material, financial, and human resources in ensuring security in the state.
“The key component of the security is the incessant clashes between Fulani herders and farmers, who are Yoruba, Igbo, and other ethnic groups,” Thomas said. “We have come to send a message that there is a need to live together in peaceful coexistence. We have identified some of the problems that led to this crisis, which range from the traditional rulers to the Fulani herders. We have reached an agreement with the law enforcement agencies, the farmers, and the herders that they will now meet together regularly, so that the Fulani herders will be given identification so that they stand with security guidelines.”
Thomas added that the security agencies have also been urged for fairness in their operations and actions, as personnel have been accused of being biased.
“Everything centers on having a secured environment that will foster socio-economic development,” Thomas said. “There have been agreements among the traditional leaders, farmers, and herders that there shall be peace.”
The meeting concluded with a closing prayer for peace.
Dignitaries in attendance included Asiwaju Engr Akeem Olatunji, Oluyole Local Government Chairman; traditional rulers; law enforcement agencies; farmers’ representatives; and Miyetti Allah representatives.
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