Land dispute: Lagos communities forge peace accord after violent clashes

After days of violent clashes, the Ibeshe Indigenous Community and Ibeshe Sea Beach Community in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have agreed to a peace accord regarding the use of land for burial within the area.

The peace agreement was signed by 20 representatives from each community at the council secretariat, and witnessed by stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry Of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, and various security agencies.

The peace and security meeting was convened by the Executive Chairman of Oriade LCDA, Ramotalai Akinlola-Hassan.

The conflict erupted three weeks ago when residents of the sea beach community allegedly refused to obtain permission from the traditional ruler, Oba Gausu Rasaki, for the interment of a corpse in their settlement.

The clashes resulted in violent attacks, property destruction, and injuries, with one fatality reported. In a statement released by the council Public Affairs Department, Akinlola-Hassan reiterated the meeting’s aim to foster lasting harmony between the two communities.

This peace accord signals a step towards reconciliation and resolution of the longstanding dispute over land use in the area.

The council chairman added that it has become imperative for the two communities to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign in Ibeshe.

Her words: “Our objective is to ensure that our children can return to school without fear, and to revive vital economic activities, such as the operation of boat drivers without fear, harassment and molestation from any quarters.”

Akinlola-Hassan stated further that the commitment of the two communities to sign the peace accord documents will signal a sincere willingness to pursue reconciliation and cooperation of all stakeholders in the concerted effort to guide against future occurrence of such bitter experience.

She expressed her appreciation to all key stakeholders, including representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, various security agencies and operatives, as well as the paramount traditional ruler of Ibeshe, Oba Gausu Alani Rasak for their collective determination to uphold peace and security in Ibeshe.

The Police Commander, Area L, Ilashe, ACP A. Yusuf, while addressing the stakeholders at the meeting, appealed to residents of the two communities to have trust in the security agencies in their effort to ensure peace and normalcy are restored in Ibeshe.

He reminded them that justice can only be served in an atmosphere of peace, and as such appealed to the people to give peace a chance and allow security agencies to conclude their investigation over the unfortunate incident.

The Ovori of Ibeshe kingdom, Oba Gausu Rasak, expressed gratitude towards council chairman Akinlola-Hassan and security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace and unity among the communities.

He urged both sides to embrace peace and allow the government and security agencies to maintain order. With the signing of the peace accord, Oba Rasak assured that tranquility will prevail in Ibeshe.