GOOD NEWS…… Offa, Erin-Ile communities finally sheathe swords

The people of  Offa and Erin Ile communities in the Offa and Oyun local government areas of Kwara state, have resolved to end their age long communal crisis and forge ahead for mutual benefit, development and growth, ROYAL NEWS has gathered.

The two neighbouring communities, who in the past had engaged one another in violent clashes were brought together by a youth organization committed to peace and development of the area.

Speaking during a parley with the leaders of Offa and Erin- Ile in Ilorin, Kwara state capital on Thursday, the chairman main organizing committee, Ladorb peace initiative, Umar Balogun, said that conflict had discouraged the people to realize potentials towards economic prosperity.

“In recent history, one cannot mention Offa and Erin-Ile without acknowledging the conflict between both communities. It’s unfortunate that the two communities had suffered losses in a such a war that had no economic value, but displaced many lives”, he said.

Balogun, who, traced ancestry of the two communities of Offa and Erin-Ile to Oduduwa; the progenitor of Yoruba race, said that historical accounts had it that they had been together for years.

He said that the concern made the organization to join other men and women of goodwill to find means to put an end to the periodic clashes, adding that both communities had resolved to live together in peace and forget about the past.

He also canvassed alternative dispute resolution as best way to resolve conflict and enjoined members of the communities to embrace peace, saying that, “what unite us is bigger than things that divide us”.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Erin-Ile, Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola, commended efforts of the convener, while urging elders of the area to promote truth, open mindedness and be conscientious in their inputs.

The monarch, said that his people are ready for peace, adding that every stakeholder should allow peace reign to attract development and prosperity.

Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, who was represented by an high chief of Offa, Chief Yunusa Oyeyemi, said that the people believed in peace adding that they had extended it to their neighbours over the years.

He appealed to people of the areas to be candid,  speak the truth and imbibe spirit of give and take for a lasting solution.