In a determined effort to bring a resolution to the age-old land dispute between Ado and Ilawe Ekiti, the Ekiti State government has called upon the lawyers and surveyors representing the two warring communities.
The government deemed this action necessary after the discovery of crucial documents that require the intellectual and professional expertise of these individuals and their counterparts in the public service.
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, issued the directive in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, while mediating in the long-standing land dispute between Ilawe-Ekiti and Ado.
The Deputy Governor, as stated by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, expressed deep concern about the reported cases of violence occurring on the disputed land, despite the strict warning that nobody should encroach upon it until the matter is fully resolved.
“According to available records, this land dispute dates back to 1963, but it is imperative that we put it to rest. Ado and Ilawe Ekiti are one, and it is the love and unity that has prevailed between you that must guide us in this matter.
“We will not wait until lives are lost before taking action. Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a peace advocate, and we will not allow anyone to undermine his efforts in this regard.
“We are giving you a two-week ultimatum to bring your surveyors and lawyers to collaborate with experts from the Ministry of Justice and our Land Dispute Resolution Technical Committee. Together, we will examine all available documents.
“These experts will also guide us on any previous documented agreements made since 1971 regarding that land. This will help us determine the best course of action for a swift resolution of this crisis,” she stated.
The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, expressed gratitude towards the government for their commitment to resolving the dispute. He stated that his town, through the Ekiti South Local Government, had already made payments for a portion of the contested land, as documented.
The monarch, represented by the Elemo of Oke-Emo, Chief Gbenga Agbona, pledged to abide by the government’s verdict to expedite the resolution of the matter.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, represented by the Akitipa of Odo Community, Chief Ademola Adepoju, praised the government for their impartiality in settling the dispute.
Oba Adejugbe assured that his people would comply with the government’s instructions and adhere to all directives aimed at preventing bloodshed or violence arising from the land tussle.
