Source: Eagleee [url]Source[/url]

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has said dialogue will play a key role in the resolution of herdsmen-farmers’ crisis.

He warned traditional rulers not to escalate tensions.

In a statement released on Sunday, Oba Adeyemi called for peace and urged security agencies to work for the unity of Nigeria.

The monarch, however, decried the use of firearms, including AK-47 rifles, to protect cattle.

“In those days, sticks were the only weapons with which breeders directed their cattle. When was it the practice that Fulani breeders would arm themselves to the teeth just to protect their cattle? In the past, part of the guidance which breeders gave to their cattle was to ensure that they did not destroy farm crops along their ways.

“But today, with the arm at their disposal, some Fulani breeders choose to target green leaves of farmers’ crops as good protein for their cattle and, therefore, lead their cattle aggressively to that direction.

“The greatest challenge facing the country at the moment is the herdsmen. The recent Benue State experience is too fresh to be forgotten so soon,”‎ he said.

Oba Adeyemi advised other traditional rulers not to use any religious or ethnic justification in the present situation.

“The institution of traditional rulers should use both individuals and collective efforts to quell the crisis from further escalation. It is unfortunate that some highly placed traditional rulers should see the recent Benue incident as a justified reprisal quoting fictitious and imaginary figures of similar incident that had happened at another neighbouring state.

“We have managed in Oyo area to ensure that the cattle herdsmen are kept in proper place and the farmer’s crops and interest are adequately protected,” he added.

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Nice one from the Oba.

“The institution of traditional rulers should use both individuals and collective efforts to quell the crisis from further escalation. It is unfortunate that some highly placed traditional rulers should see the recent Benue incident as a justified reprisal quoting fictitious and imaginary figures of similar incident that had happened at another neighbouring state.

Dear Emir Sanusi Lamido, the above is for you.

Someone should go and educate this man that these are not the nomad that used to graze in plateau. They have invited their non Nigerian cousins from all over west Africa because for the better part of 10 years , there has been a vacuum of sovereignty in Nigeria and what you are seeing are uncultured aliens who are still stuck in the 15th century.
Perhaps we should also give landed rights to Yorubas and Dahomeans were cut off in 1914.