Fulani Herders Take Oath To Ensure Peaceful Coexistence With The Host Communities In Ekiti State
Fulani herders have taken oath to ensure peaceful coexistence with the host communities in Ekiti State and by extension, the South-West geopolitical zone.
They also agreed that they would no longer behave unruly, kill or allow their cows to stray into farms.
The traditional oath, revealed to be an effective cultural sanction on herders is believed to bring tragedy on those who breach it terms and conditions.
The oath was administered by Alhaji Ardo Mairero, the Sarkin Fulani of Kwara State after a peace meeting convened by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.
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The meeting was attended by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11, the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa, heads of security and law enforcement agencies, hunters, members of MACBAN, farmers, vigilantes and grazing enforcement marshals.
Emir Sanusi was represented by a former Kano State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, at the meeting also attended by members of the state cabinet.
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According to Fayose’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, the traditional oath was taken with kolanut as an agreement that the herdsmen in Ekiti would not behave unruly any longer, kill or allow their cows to stray into farms.
“It was administered with sharing of kolanut, 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.
“The meeting and signing of the memorandum by all parties lasted for two hours between 11pm on Monday 19 and 1am of Tuesday, February 20, “he said.
