Fulani
herders in Ekiti State and South West have taken a traditional oath
binding to assure the host communities in Ekiti, and by extension, the
South West, that they will no longer kill or allow their cows to stray
into farms.
The oath, said to be an effective
cultural sanction on herders, as its violation is expected to attract
tragedy on the culprit, was administered by Alhaji Ardo Mairero, the
Sarkin Fulani of Kwara State, during a peace meeting of all parties
involved in herdsmen challenge in the state.
Present at the oath taken
were Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, Alhaji Mohammad Leewa, National President,
Miyetti Allah, Mohammad Kiruwa, Governor Ayodele Fayose, his deputy,
Olusola Kolapo, Secretary to State Government (SSG), Modupe Alade, Chief
of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo, Commissioner for Agriculture, Kehinde
Odebunmi and Miyetti Allah national and zonal leaders.
Also, a communique, co-signed by governor
Fayose and other stakeholders involved in the herdsmen challenge in the
state, was released through the office of the Chief Press Secretary to
Fayose, Mr. Idowu Adelusi.
Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders
Association, Ekiti State chapter, Alhaji Nasamu Muhammad, witnessed the
signing of the communique.
Adelusi said: “Of most significance of
the peace meeting of February 19 by the stakeholders was the traditional
oath taken with kolanuts as agreement that the herdsmen in Ekiti will
not behave unruly any longer, kill or allow their cows to stray into
farms.
“It was administered with kola and
sharing of the kola, which is a Fulani tradition that is binding on
the initiators. With this oath, issues of robbery, killing, damaging of
farms and kidnapping, among others, being allegedly perpetuated by
Fulani herders are over in the state.”
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