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Ikale charge Ondo land dispute panel on fairness

By Oluwaseun Akingboye, Akure
23 August 2019   |   3:42 am
The Ikale in Okitipupa Council of Ondo State have raised suspicion over the composition of the panel of inquiry set up by the state government to investigate the Ago-Alaye/Araromi-Obu land dispute.

Akeredolu

The Ikale in Okitipupa Council of Ondo State have raised suspicion over the composition of the panel of inquiry set up by the state government to investigate the Ago-Alaye/Araromi-Obu land dispute.

The Abodi of Ikaleland, Oba George Faduyile, has appealed to the five-man panel not to be partial in its report. He spoke when they visited his palace on Wednesday.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had set up a panel headed by former Commissioner for Natural Resources, Tunde Atere, to probe the causes of the violence that ensued between the two communities, which led to destruction of lives and property of Araromi Obu people of Odigbo Council and Ikale people of Ago-Alaye, who are creditors of a High Court judgement in April.

Oba Faduyile disclosed that the two communities had been living peacefully together for more than a century, saying that the disaffection crept in when Araromi-Obu referred to them as non-indigenes in their domain.

The monarch lamented that the Ikale were often deprived of their rights and privileges by Araromi-Obu on their ancestral lands.

“I wish to state once more that Ikale people are peace-loving. I wish your panel a peaceful and thorough inquiry devoid of any bias or favouritism,” the monarch said.He appealed for the unconditional release of those arrested to pave way for peace in the two communities.

“Initially, nine people were arrested, but after some days, other people were also arrested, including the 89 year-old man, who is still in detention.

“All those people should be released and government should also lift curfew totally in the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Jagunmolu of Ikaleland, Gen. Oluyemi Bajowa, has questioned the propriety of the panel and chairmanship of the panel due to his relationship with Araromi-Obu.

While addressing the panel, Bajowa said the views of the Ikale had been succinctly expressed in the joint memorandum already submitted by Ikale Central Organisation (ICO) and Osooro Leaders of Thought (OLT).

The committee has, however, assured the people of objectivity. Atere said, “We will not be partial in our findings and reports, but we need maximum cooperation and support, so that the issue can be resolve amicably.”

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