Ekiti govt cautions communities over rising land disputes

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ekiti State Government has urged communities across the state to curb the growing cases of land-related conflicts, warning that persistent disputes could hamper development.

Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye gave the caution in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday while mediating in the lingering boundary crisis between Igbara Odo and Ikogosi Ekiti.

In a statement by her media aide, Victor Ogunje, Mrs Afuye appealed to the two communities to heed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s plea that unresolved land disagreements threaten progress and long-standing ties.

She noted that government projects cannot be located on lands under dispute, adding that both towns had insisted that development should be sited on the contested area.

“Governor Biodun Oyebanji openly begged the two towns while commissioning the Igbara-Odo-Ikogosi road that they should resolve amicably. I appeal to them to reciprocate this gesture. Even the reconstruction of this road showed that the governor loves you dearly.

“There is nothing you can benefit from fighting each other. So many people have lost their lives as a result of disputes over a piece of land. Even our forefathers who owned the lands had passed away, so why are we fighting each other?

“Please, my people from Igbara-Odo and Ikogosi Ekiti, let us embrace peace and secure a good future for our children,” Afuye said.

She explained that the administration had resolved several disputes through compromise, urging the communities to emulate Epe and Osan Ekiti, who agreed on boundaries to sustain long-term peace.