The Ekiti State Government has successfully
brokered peace in Odo Owa Ekiti in Irede Local Council Development
Area(LCDA) ending a seven-year palace boycott by eleven chiefs in the
town.
The hitherto aggrieved chiefs led by the Obadogun of
Idogun Quarters, Chief Ayo Ajayi, have returned to the palace of the
Olowa of Odo Owa Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Oyedeji, to resume their
traditional duties they have abandoned since 2014.
The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, who spoke at a
meeting with stakeholders where he was briefed on the implementation of
the peace terms commended them for giving peace a chance.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant
(Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the crisis was
resolved after three rounds of meeting with parties reporting that they
have resolved their differences and would work together for the
development of the town.
Both sides briefed the Deputy Governor that they had
complied with the state government’s directive to reunite and bury the
hatchet for the town to move forward and not give room for anarchy.
At the last meeting held on July 15, the Deputy Governor
advised the Obadogun and people of his quarters to see Odo Owa Ekiti as
their town since their request for autonomy has not succeeded.
Egbeyemi further enjoined the people of Odogun Quarters
in Odo Owa Ekiti to pay their taxes, development dues and participate in
community development activities they had boycotted since 2014.
The Deputy Governor who could not hide his joy for the
compliance of parties with the peace deal hailed the Obadogun for acting
like a statesman and peacemaker to see to the end of the seven-year
stand-off.
He also commended the Olowa for his magnanimity and large heart for reconciling with the Obadogun and members of his quarters.
The Deputy Governor urged the traditional ruler to
accord the Obadogun and other returning chiefs all the rights and
privileges due to them to cement the newfound peace and harmony in the
community.
He said: “I am happy with the resolution of this crisis
and I am happy that peace has returned to Odo Owa. Kabiyesi, you must
give them their rights, please don’t deny them of their rights and with
this development, Odo Owa will be moving fort.”
The Obadogun, Chief Ajayi, thanked the Ekiti State
Government and particularly the Deputy Governor for the intervention
which has restored peace to peace to Odo Owa.
The Olowa, Oba Oyedeji, confirmed that the Obadogun and
other chiefs have returned to the palace and have heeded the
government’s advice to start performing their official duties.
The monarch said: “I have to thank God and the Ekiti
State Government. I want to report to you that peace has returned to our
town and we have now been working together as one.”