Date: 2021-02-16

Residents of Oro, Irepodun local government area of Kwara state have accused neigbouring communities of Buari and Illala of aiding the occupation of farmland in the area.

The community said that it discovered late last month that a section of Okerimi Oro land had been invaded and occupied by evicted herdsmen from Oyo state.

The community members added that the invasion sent fears down the spine of many residents as the sites the herders are currently occupying is part of Koshoni-Ola Farmland in Okerimi Oro.

In a statement, National President, Oro Descendants Union and Publicity Secretary Alhaji Uthman Balogun and Kayode Oyeyipo accused the traditional rulers of both Buari and Allala of signed settlement accord with herders.

The statement reads: "It was discovered last week that Baale (traditional head) of Buari, neighbouring community to Okerimi Oro, with the support of Aala of Ilala (traditional ruler) connived with Bororo/Fulani, purportedly signing agreement to have them settled on their land but discreetly and deceitfully brought them to Okerimi Oro land.

The signed document had with the Aala of Ilala and Baale of Buari, the signatures of nine leaders of Bororo/Fulani, Seriki Fulani in Ajase-Ipo and Chairman of Myetti Allah in Irepodun Local Government Area. The peace pact was witnessed by some heads of security agents.

"Everything was without our knowledge; we are not party to it and we can't be a party to any of such arrangements. Our people are vehemently against the occupation.

They had long kicked against it. Now, the pertinent questions to ask are: What right do the two community leaders have to bring herdsmen to sojourn on Okerimi-Oro land? Why can't they settle them on their own land? Is Kosoni-Ola Farm in Buhari or Ilala?

"Their act is disheartening and disgusting. Can a house owner collect rent from anyone and direct the person to another man's house to be received as tenant after signing tenancy agreement with him (i.e. the payer)? Buari and Ilala are not part of Oro. In fact, it is a slap on our face for them to bring strangers to our land for them to come and occupy it. It must be said that Okerimi Oro had given more than enough concession to Buari, years past, in settling boundary matters amicably for peace and development to thrive. Why are the people coming up with unwholesome moves at this time?"

"We now implore Buari and Ilala to come and relocate Bororo/Fulani to their own land, which must be far away from our vicinity. And this must be done on or before the expiration of seven (7) days counting from today, Tuesday, February 16, 2021," the statement added.