Ibolo Peace Parley Holds Inaugural NEC Meeting

…Olofa, Onira, Others Prioritise Peace, Unity Among Communities In Ibolo Land

The Ibolo Peace Parley (IPP) has held its inaugural National Executive Council Meeting tagged for Peace and Development of Ibolo Land in Kwara State.

The inaugural meeting held on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at Oodua Event Centre along Ajase Ipo road, Eleyoka featured notable traditional rulers and representatives from different communities in Ibolo land.

Speaking at the meeting, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Muhammad Mufutau Gbadamosi Ajagungbade l Esuwoye ll represented by High Chief Asalofa of Offa, Alhaji Isiaka Shittu noted that Ibolo communities are one binded together in unity. The monarch added that conflicts is causing a setback for the growth and development of Ibolo land and advocates for peaceful coexistence among communities for the growth and development of Ibolo territory.

Olofa of Offa also noted that Ibolo sons and daughters occupying prominent positions in government should drive development to Ibolo land to enhance relative progress in the region.

Corroborating Olofa’s remarks, the Onira of Irra who is also the Acting Chairman of Oyun Traditional Rulers, Oba Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro commends Ibolo Peace Parley for the initiative aimed at promoting peace in Ibolo land.

Kabiesi described the factor constituting conflict as the vanity of life, retarding the progress of the Ibolo land.

In his words, “We are beneficial to one another. Let us think about the progress of Ibolo land. Progress in one community will be beneficial to other communities. The splitting of Local Government is supposed to be an avenue for development in Ibolo land and not for dispute. Let us join forces and be unified. There is progress in unity.”

While delivering his opening address, the President of Ibolo Peace Parley, Engr. Bashir Lawal said IPP has in many instances been the instrument of prevention of inter-community clashes and has helped to conduct useful investigations to assist in taking decisions on land matters. Speaking further, he said the forum has provided a solid platform for interactions and engagements by sons and daughters of the various communities in Ibolo land for peace and progress of the communities.

According to him, ” Today, we are making history, as we inaugurate the National Executive Council of Ibolo Peace Parley. IPP NEC, comprising representatives of communities in our Offa and Oyun Local Governments. IPP NEC will strengthen the capacity of the Peace Parley to serve the course of peace and progress in our area. It is the body that will be saddled with taking vital and important decisions and ratifying reports and suggestions of committees and groups.

Kabiyesis, distinguished members of NEC and guests, let me reiterate that the decision of well-meaning sons and daughters of Ibolo, Kwara State to convene this group, and the progress so far recorded in the sustenance of peace and development in our communities has been one of the most beneficial community-based group efforts in the history of Ibolo land.”

Furthermore, Engr. Bashir affirmed that the NEC meeting will equally give birth to the inauguration of various committees to take charge of various aspects of development and progress of Ibolo land. He said the committees will include Land and Dispute Resolution; Investment Development; Education, Youths and Sport; Security, Intelligence, and Surveillance; Human Capital Development; Finance and Budget; Culture, Social, and Heritage; Infrastructure; Women Affairs and Human Rights matters.

He therefore solicits for total support and cooperation of the royal fathers in Ibolo land for the progress and prosperity of Ibolo communities.

‘IPP wishes to humbly and passionately seek the support and cooperation of our revered, Kabiyesis, towns unions, communities, Kwara State Government, Offa and Oyun Local Governments, associations, groups, and individuals for the NEC and the various committees of IPP. The focus of IPP is the peaceful coexistence and economic development of Ibolo, Kwara State. This may involve interactions, investigations, documentation and many other activities. We seek all the cooperation that NEC and committees may need for the success of their assignments,” he said.