Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, has said that he will meet with critical stakeholders and opinion leaders on the lingering land dispute matters between Oyo and Afijio communities in Oyo State.
The paramount ruler also promised to embark on education and awareness programmes that promote understanding and create safe spaces for open dialogue and reconciliation among communities concerned.
Bode Durojaiye, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin in a statement, quoted the monarch as saying that in today’s interconnected world, the importance of fostering peace and harmony wiithin communities cannot be overstated.
He added that with the diverse cultures, beliefs, and values coexisting, there is the need for effective peace-building initiatives which is crucial to maintaining social cohesion and prevent conflicts.
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The monarch”s statement came in reaction to appeals by well- meaning Oyo indigenes, calling on the royal father to intervene in the lingering land disputes between Oyo and Afijio communities.
Durojaiye quoted Alaafin Owoade as saying peace building is more than just conflict resolution.
“So it is a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of discord and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. It involves engaging individuals and groups at all levels to create sustainable peace through dialogue, education, and empowerment””, the statement noted.
According to the paramount ruler, “why must interwoven communities that have been in existence for decades and within the same metropolis with Oyo be at daggers drawn with each other over land matters, rather than working harmoniously for common goals?”
“We must remember that a house divided against itself cannot stand, just as in unity lies the strength .United and harmonious we stand, but divided we fall. There must be a ceasefire , as enough is enough . We can’t continue to shed our blood and live in perpetual acrimony . There must be a lasting peace”.
