Osun Government Ends Serikin Fulani Chairmanship Tussle, Sues For Peace Among Non-indigenes

The Leadership tussle in the ranks of Serikis of Fulani/Bororo Community in Osun State may have become a thing of the past.

This was sequel to the intervention of the State Government in ensuring that peace continue to reign in the folds of both indigenes and non-indigenes.

A leadership tussle had ensued between Alhaji Oluwatoyin Sulaiman who was appointed a Personal Assistant, Committee on Peaceful Coexistence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers; and Alhaji Ibrahim Dende, the Son of the Aged State Chairman of all Serikis who was favoured to replace his father.

However, all heads of Fulani/Bororo community at a meeting called by the State government on Wednesday had unanimously agreed to confirm Alhaji Ibrahim Dende as the chairman of all Serikis in Osun State.

Addressing the leaders of Fulani Community at a meeting on Thursday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye emphasised the need for all to live together peacefully and harmoniously.

He said “Osun Governor believes in one Nigeria and has respect for all residents of the State. He believes that every Nigerian has constitutional right to live anywhere in the country. He wants everybody to live in peace and have harmonious relationship”.

Oyinriloye who urged them to consider the issue as a mere misunderstanding of jurisdiction of authorities told the leadership of Fulani/Bororo community to feel free to relate with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement.

Also Speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abiodun Ige harped on the need for the Fulani/Bororo community to be vigilant and ensure that criminal elements do not infiltrate them.

She appealed to them to cooperate with the security agencies in maintaining peace in the State.

“The commissioner of police is ready to work with everyone. We must not hesitate to relate and cooperate with him. We want to implore everyone that they should allow peace wherever they live. We must work for the peace of the State.

“You must know your people who are just coming in, where they live and what they will be doing. You must know where they came from. This will allow you to be able to differential them from criminals”, Ige said.

In a communiqué signed by the heads of Fulani/Bororo Community and issue at the end of the meeting, it was agreed that Allaji Oluwatoyin Sulaimon was just turbaned by the aged Seriki, Alhaji Babatunde Saliu as an emissary to his office and not as chairman.

It was also agreed that Alhaji Dende Ibrahim has been favoured to replace his father as the State Chairman of Serikin Fulani/Bororo in Osun State.

Other agreements include that; the coronation of Alhaji Dende as Serikin Fulani/Bororo of Osun State by the palace of Ataoja still subsists. All litigations in relation to the leadership tussle be suspended forthwith, and all ceremony planned for any coronation or appointment be suspended until further notice.