…trains Monarchs, religious, community leaders on conflict resolution
By Udesinanna Stephen, Akubulu Ngozi
As part of efforts to maintain peace in Ekiti State, a Non Governmental Organization, the Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) has called on residents of the state to embrace Communal Mediation over litigation, adding that mediation brings win-win for both Parties.
The JDPI Director, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, made the call on Monday while speaking at the opening ceremony of a 3-day Mediation training for Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers in Ekiti State tagged: “Promotion of Human Rights in the Diocese of Ekiti”, held at Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Ikere Road, Ado Ekiti.
The workshop also educate traditional rulers and religious leaders on conflict resolution mechanism.
According to Rev. Father Akingbade it is better to live as one family and settle grievances amicably rather than resorting to violence and litigation which would end up promoting long time enmity.
He noted that arbitration method of settling disputes is often bilateral, and often times favour one party, adding that mediation requires a settlement that credits all party equitably and respectively.
In an interactive session with ROUNDOFFNEWS, the JDPI Assistant Director, Rev. Sis. Agatha Ogbuagu said, “There is a common saying that those who go to court often come back as enemies, but when we apply mediation they come back and become friends leading to peace and development, that is why we are having this workshop for Traditional and Religious Leaders.
In addition, She called on the state government, media and concerned bodies to support the Initiative so as to stabilise peace in the state.
Also, the first speaker who is a Chartered Mediator, Barrister Banke Oloba said traditional rulers should also be fair and ensure qui k intervention in disagreements before they get out of hand.
She said:”The excess of peace and conflict management is to minimise violence and end destructive conflict for the benefit of peace in human relationship in all sphere and at all levels.
Speaking with one of the workshop participants, Chief Ola Joshua, the Ejigbo of Ipole Iloro of Ekiti West Local Government, he commended the JDPI, saying, “This is a very good Initiative as they are really doing well to make sure that peace reign in our society, and what to do to settle disputes amicably.”
Similarly, Rev. Father Stephen Oyeniran also commended the Initiative, saying “The programme is good; the Organiser and Speakers have done really well by simplifying the whole programme for us to understand. It will surely help us in our different daily activities, of course, to know how to have a broad knowledge of conflict resolution. As everyday we entertain different disputes so with this, we would have more knowledge in resolving these issues.”