By YakubuAjadi
The Kwara State chapter of the Directorate of National Orientation Agency (NOA) has initiated a process of securing a lasting solution to the reoccurring land dispute between Offa community in Offa local government and Erin-Ile in Oyun local government of Kwara State.
The Acting Director of the agency, Mr. Olusegun Adeyemi, who led staffers of the agency to the palace of Oloffa of Offa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, commended the efforts of the monarch which had translated into the current genuine harmonious relationship between Offa and Erin-Ile people.
He emphasized the federal government’s desire for peace to reign in every community across the country and that it is a task traditional rulers should continually accomplish in the various communities.
While receiving the NOA team at his palace, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, stressed the need for peaceful inter-community co-existence, saying that the Offa people are committed to sustainable peace between Erin-Ile and other communitiesfor necessary development.
In a similar development, the NOA Director also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of Elerin of Erin Ile HRH Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola Ibrahim Olusokun II to discuss issues that would engender genuine peace between Offa and Erin-Ile communities.
He commended the fatherly and mature roles the monarch plays in ensuring that violence between the two communities is prevented. Mr. Adeyemi urged Oba Olusokun not to relent in his efforts as the people of the land will always listen to him and follow his directional advice.
Adeyemi, while addressing the two monarchs said NOA has been able to secure the commitment of both communities to peaceful co-existence and grey areas which were highlighted would be forwarded to appropriate quarters for necessary action.
In his response, Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola Ibrahim, commended NOA’s effort in building peace in Kwara and Nigeria as a whole; calling on the government to be more committed and sincere in dealing with parties whenever conflicts arise.
He urged both Islamic and Christian religious leaders to shun fanatical tendencies, which are capable of snowballing into violence. He also called on Erin-Ile youths and people to continually explore means of establishing friendly relations with Offa community as the two neighboring townsmen are brothers and sisters.
