Ekiti State Government Calls For Peace And Unity Amid Rising Land Disputes

Ekiti State Government Calls For Peace And Unity Amid Rising Land Disputes

The Ekiti State Government has urged its citizens to prioritize peace, unity, and harmony to address the longstanding land disputes in various communities across the state……READ ALSO Ekiti State Government Establishes State Electricity Regulatory Bureau

Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Monisade Afuye, made this appeal in Ado Ekiti on Friday while mediating a land dispute involving three royal dynasties in Epe, Ijero Local Government Area.

The intervention stemmed from a petition by Elepe of Epe, Oba Ayodeji Adesoye, accusing three princes of instigating violence and preventing him from accessing farmlands traditionally designated as ‘Oko Oba’.

In response, the defendants, Busayo Atoye, Kole Atoye, and Pastor Amos Agbeleoba, refuted the allegations, asserting that the disputed farm belonged to their family, not the royal father.

Expressing concern over the prolonged land crises causing acrimony and discord, Deputy Governor Afuye emphasized Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to peace and unity for development.

While urging respect for royalty and tradition, Afuye called for peaceful resolution and assured that the government would impartially address the issue.

The matter was adjourned for further deliberation, with Oba Adesoye emphasizing his right to the disputed land, citing tradition and his predecessors’ actions.

The defendants maintained their stance, arguing that the land had been rightfully managed by their family since the reign of Oba Arowolo.

Community leader Chief James Eyebiokin corroborated the defendants’ position, highlighting the tradition of allocating farmland to sitting monarchs for palace financing.

The government’s impartial handling of the dispute was commended by Oba Adesoye, who expressed optimism about an amicable resolution.