Ekiti Govt salutes warring monarchs for resolving boundary dispute peacefully
By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has honoured two monarchs with Awards of Exemplary Leadership following their decisive role in peacefully resolving a protracted boundary conflict between their communities.
The Olosan of Osan Ekiti, Oba Tajudeen Jimoh, and the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Michael Atolagbe, were both recognised at a ceremony in Ado Ekiti for their leadership in bringing an end to the decades-long land dispute in Moba Local Government Area.
Presenting the awards on Thursday, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, praised the spirit of compromise and mutual respect demonstrated by the monarchs and elites from both towns. She said their conduct offered a compelling example for other communities caught in territorial disagreements.
“These royal fathers have shown that genuine leadership is rooted in service, not control. Their choice to resolve differences through dialogue rather than division speaks volumes about their character,” Mrs Afuye said, during the official presentation of the report on the Permanent Boundary Demarcation between Osan and Epe Ekiti.
In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, the Deputy Governor described the two monarchs’ approach as a benchmark for peaceful conflict resolution in the region. She lauded the “give and take” posture that paved the way for the agreement, calling it an expression of true statesmanship.
The resolution process began in earnest when both communities wrote to the government in January 2024. Their letter, jointly signed by Professors Ayan Adeleke and Williams Adebayo, indicated a willingness to settle the boundary dispute through an internal, community-led initiative.
Mrs Afuye, while commending the efforts of the traditional leaders, committee members, and community stakeholders, also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to a dispute-free Ekiti. She underscored that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is keen on fostering peaceful coexistence across all towns, as no progress can occur where strife lingers.
“As guardians of our heritage and values, our traditional rulers have proven that leadership is not only about reigning over a people, but also about nurturing peace and understanding,” she said. “The resolution of this dispute demonstrates the nobility of service and the enduring value of dialogue.”
She also offered special commendation to Professors Adeleke and Adebayo, who chaired the joint committee from Osan and Epe respectively, for their pivotal roles in brokering the agreement.
“These awards today are more than plaques. They symbolise the strength of unity, the fruit of cooperation, and the enduring benefits of non-violent resolution,” Mrs Afuye added.
“We hope this will encourage other monarchs to embrace similar initiatives in the interest of their communities.”
Responding to the honour, the Elepe of Epe Ekiti, Oba Michael Atolagbe, thanked the government for both the recognition and for welcoming the communities’ peaceful settlement proposal. He described the state’s intervention as timely and deeply appreciated.
Also speaking, the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, who chairs the Traditional Council in Moba Local Government, praised the leadership and maturity displayed by Osan and Epe. He said their choice to resolve the crisis through negotiation would reinforce unity and a sense of shared identity among neighbouring towns.
Professors Adeleke and Adebayo, who led the inter-community committee, expressed gratitude to the state for trusting them with the delicate task. They described the peaceful resolution as a collective triumph and a model of what community-driven mediation can achieve.
With the awards now handed out and the dispute officially settled, the ceremony closed with calls for more communities to adopt dialogue, unity, and mutual respect as cornerstones of peaceful coexistence.
