Following persistent crisis brewing between Esure and Ilomu Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State over lingering land dispute, the government, has threatened to arrest those it described as trespassers and restive youths igniting unrest in the towns.
The government warned the feuding parties to sheathe their swords to prevent bloodshed and unbridled crisis that could cause unwarranted loss of lives in the two communities.
Addressing the leaders of the beleaguered communities in her office yesterday, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, restrained the parties from taking any action on the land, pending the time the report of the Technical Committee set up by the government will be released.
Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, stressed the need for the Elesure of Esure Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibola and Olomu of Ilomu, Oba Ojo Oluwadamilare to rein in their subjects to refrain from violence and trespass that were stoking disunity in the area.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led government won’t allow those he described as “trouble makers” to destabilise any community under the guise of land dispute.
She said; “It was our genuine intention to broker peace that we set up a technical committee that had visited the disputing site. They are still working on their report and the recommendations on their findings will be released soon.
“But before doing that, we believe we have to sit down like this and talk to each other. We have had reported cases of trespass , attacks and threats being perpetrated by some people. We will not tolerate these. It is only when you are alive that you can own your property or land.
“Governor Oyebanji is a believer and promoter of peace; this government loves peace. We appeal to you, allow peace to reign. Let us warn our youths. They have the strength, but they must use it for productive things, rather than causing unnecessary restiveness between the two communities.
“Let us think about tomorrow. Many of you will still be chiefs in future, but whatever you do now as a Chief or youth will haunt you in future. Work for the stability of the two towns, because you are brothers.
“Very soon, the technical committee will meet to finalise report on the land dispute . I know that our Kabiyesis can discipline their unruly youths if they want to.
“If a town is given autonomy, it is for progress and development, not to cause division, insurrection, bloodshed and restiveness between communities. Let the two Kings go and meet and resolve this crisis.
“Pending the time the report of our committee will be resolved , nobody should go to that land and do anything contrary. Wait until this matter is resolved and whoever trespasses will be arrested by gocernment”.
In their separate responses, the two monarchs, applauded the government’s efforts, and promised to intensify efforts to curtail crisis surrounding the protracted land dispute widening the gulf of animosity between the two towns.