….Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo empowers Akoko traditional rulers on conflict resolution
The House of Representatives member representing Akoko North East/North West federal constituency, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has facilitated a training on conflict resolution for traditional rulers in the two council areas.
No fewer than 19 traditional rulers from over twenty-five communities in the two local government areas of the constituency attended the training implemented through the Border Communities Development Agency, Abuja and held at Ikare Akoko.
Present were the Chairman of the Council of traditional rulers in Akoko North East Local Government, the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and his counterpart from Akoko North West Local Government, the Akala of Ikaram, Oba Andrew Momodu.
Speaking at the event, the federal lawmaker who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), represented by one his aides, Apalowo Thalis, said the training was a timely necessity in the constituency.
“We cannot get tired of talking about conflict resolution. Dispute is part of human co-existence and the best we can do is to manage it. This is the second time we are organising this. The traditional rulers are the heads of the various communities and they can call their people to order at any point in time. It is therefore imperative that they are trained and empowered to do that.”
He noted that the training will also help to address all pending communal crises in the area.
The guest Speaker, Odogwu Chukwudube, highlighted clash of interest, lack of understanding, undermining values, style and diversity of opinion as causes of conflict.
He emphasized that conflict resolution occurs only when the parties involved try to reach mutually satisfying solutions.
Speaking during programme, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun said, ‘We are one . We don’t want any problem in any community and that is part of our job as community leaders.’
While calling for peace, the Akala of Ikaram Akoko, Oba Andrew Momodu explained that peace should be allowed to reign in all towns in the areas, especially Ikare Akoko.
He said, “Ikare is pivotal to akoko. When you have a situation when one person wins and the other person loses, the problem is only postponed but not solved. There must be a win-win situation which means there must be compromise on both sides.”
In his appeal for peace, the Olukare of Ikare, His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadiri Momoh noted, “I don’t want trouble. I don’t want problem in our society.”
Also speaking at the event, the Owa-Ale of Ikare Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adedoyin, expressed sadness over recent development in Ikare.
“I am not happy with what is happening in the town and I want peace to reign. The Olukare is my father; a friend to my (late) father is also my father. I have expected him to call me to discuss the progress of the town and I am hopeful he’s going to do that as soon as possible. We will work to return peace,”
Describing the initiative facilitated by Tunji-Ojo as Imperative, the Akala of Ikaram added, ‘it is only BTO that could achieve this feat at this point in time. I thank him for his initiative in always taking the welfare of the people, including the Obas into consideration as a priority’
