Following the intervention of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the oil-rich Ugboland in the llaje council area of Ondo state have accepted peace after more than four years of conflict.
On Sunday, May 8, Akeredolu brokered the community’s peace. He also declared that there can be no genuine growth where there is disagreement.
As a result, a peace agreement was signed with the establishment of a 56-member Ugboland Development Congress. It was led by Mr. Benson Obayelu; as well as the Ugboland Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Despite having enormous oil and gas deposits; Ugboland leaders who spoke at the inauguration event in Ugbo agreed that their long-running feud hampered progress in the region.
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As all warring factions resolved to work together, Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyetadiwa, predicted that the affliction would not recur in Ugboland.
“Ugboland is so richly blessed. The people cannot afford not to come together to achieve meaningful development.
“The bringing of traditional rulers together in Ugboland will contribute to ease of administration. We will continue to support you where necessary to ensure the noble move is sustained and improved upon”.
“Ugbo-Land, no doubt is a pride of Ondo State; not only because some of the prominent achievers of the State hail from the land; but for the fact that the reason the State is an Oil Producing State today is that the communities within Ugbo-Land are blessed with Oil and Gas resources. This incidentally is the major contributor (about 80% ) to Nigeria’s revenue.”
“As Government, while we commend you all for this; we will continue to engage with you and support you where necessary to ensure the set objectives of these ideas are sustained; and improve upon where necessary,” he noted.
Governor Akeredolu equally harped on the need for collaboration between security agencies; and Traditional Rulers for the safety of all
“Ilaje is one of the hotbed Local Government in terms of cultist activities and this portends danger for us all,” he said.
