Warring Ondo community factions embrace peace

Temitope Adedeji Akure 

Warring factions in the oil rich Ugboland in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have embraced peace following years of chaos and unrest.

The peace deal was sealed with the inauguration of a 56-member Ugbo Development Congress (UDC) headed by Mr. Benson Obayelu and the Ugboland Council of Obas as well as Council of Chiefs.

Leaders of Ugboland who spoke at the inauguration ceremony agreed that their age long fracas hindered development in the community despite possessing huge oil and gas deposits.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who spoke at the event said no meaningful development can take place where there is disunity and enmity. 

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Lucky Aiyetadiwa, noted that affliction would not arose in Ugboland again as all warring factions have agreed to work together and move the community forward.

He identified Ugboland as one of the hotbed for cultism in the state, saying their activities portend danger to development.

He said: “Ugboland is so richly blessed both in human and natural resources. The people cannot afford not to come together to achieve meaningful development. 

Bringing traditional rulers together in Ugboland will contribute to ease of administration. We will continue to support you where necessary to ensure the noble move is sustained and improved upon.”

Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, said the fracas in Ugboland was deeply rooted saying kings were not seeing eyeball to eyeball.

Oba Akinruntan stated that he never believed peace could return to Ugboland during his reign even when the peace moves began four years ago.

“I can sleep well this night. I never expected to see some people here. I never knew they could settle this dispute,” he said.

Chairman of the UDC inauguration committee, Chief Olusola Oke, said peace has returned to Ugboland.

He said the UDC would serve as a voice for Ugboland and ensured all things due to the area are delivered.