The Ekiti State Government, has presented Awards of Exemplary Leadership to the Olosan of Osan Ekiti, Oba Tajudeen Jimoh and Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Michael Atolagbe, in Moba Local Government Area, for resolving the lingering boundary disputes between them using internal mechanisms.
The government was emphatic that the spirit of “sportsmanship” as well as “give and take” exhibited by the monarchs and elite from the two communities, was commendable, thereby attracting the honours to serve as examples to other towns locked in land squabbles that there is nothing to profit in violence.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, during the official presentation of report of Permanent Boundary Demarcation between Osan and Epe Ekiti communities.
The two communities, had in letter written in January 2024, and jointly signed by Professors Ayan Adeleke and Williams Adebayo, informed the government about their readiness to resolve their boundary crisis using internal mechanism.
Professor Adeleke, is the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, while Prof Adebayo, is a serving Deputy Vice Chancellor of the same prestigious institution.
Mrs Afuye, via a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the honours presented by government to the traditional rulers, was in recognition of their sterling qualities and display of the spirit of sacrifice in the resolution of the bedlam.
The Deputy Governor commended the traditional rulers, members of the committee, elite from the towns and others, who participated in the resolution of the land tussle, saying history would continue to be kind to them.
Expressing the current government’s readiness to partner the traditional institution to further advance development, the Deputy Governor, was emphatic that Governor Biodun Oyebanji wont backtrack in his mission to make all Ekiti towns bereft of bloody boundary dispute that can impede progress.
“As the custodians of tradition and culture and the values of omoluabi, our traditional rulers have demonstrated that leadership is not merely about authority, but about service to humanity. Peaceful resolution of disputes places selfless service over personal wants and needs. Our Kabiyesis had demonstrated this.
“Your efforts have not only prevented bitterness and conflict, but have also laid the foundation for sustainable development in your communities as well as in our state. Today, we recognise and celebrate your unwavering commitments to peace and peaceful coexistence.
“I want to place on record and appreciate the role played by the chairmen of the committee: Prof Ayan Adeleke and Prof Williams Adebayo from Osan and Epe respectively, for taking the lead in the resolution of this crisis .
“As we present these awards to our royal fathers from Epe and Osan Ekiti, let them serve as reminders of the power of unity, cooperation, dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences. I believe this would inspire traditional rulers from other towns to follow your footsteps and contribute to the peace and progress of our beloved state”, she stated.
Describing the government’s position as timely and heartwarming, the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Michael Atolagbe, applauded the state government for the honour and for favourably disposed to the proposal pushed forward by the communities to settle their differences between themselves.
“I am happy about this honour and particularly that the two communities showed readiness to live together peacefully. The history we are making today will serve as a shining light to other towns that we have nothing to gain in fighting or killing ourselves over land dispute”.
Enthralled by the government’s action, the Olosan of Osan Ekiti, Oba Tajudeen Jimoh, said the mutual understanding between the two contiguous communities will help in stabilising the local government and fasttrack development across board.
“I am happy today that we are making history and it happens under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Let me emphasize that no sacrifice is too great to be made for the sake of peace.
“I appreciate the members of the committee and the state government who allowed this peace building initiative proposed by the two communities”, the monarch said.
The Chairman of Traditional Council in Moba Local Government and Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, said he was excited by the position taken by the two communities and government, saying this will further elevate unity and promote brotherhood among the towns in the council.
The Chairmen of the Committee set up by the towns to resolve the matter , Professors Ayan Adeleke and Williams Adebayo, applauded the government for allowing them to mediate in the prolonged crisis that ushered in this era of peace and unity.