As the crisis surrounding the ploy to remove the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba AbdulRosheed Adewale Akanbi Telu 1, thickens, the Federation of Iwo land Students Union, FELSU, has called sued for peace among the warring groups.
The Students Union in a statement obtained by InsightMedia, which was signed by its President, Akinkunmi Iromini called on the kingmakers to sheath their swords in a bid to allow peace to reign in the community.
Iromini said the union had engaged with the kingmakers and the Monarch and it (union) is aware that both parties are after the development of Iwo.
The statement read, “It is not unusual to have conflict in any traditional council as conflict in the institution is as old as the institution itself. Therefore, it is natural to have points of disequilibrium when it comes to style of leadership or personality of any reigning monarch.
“In our engagements with the Oluwo of Iwoland on one hand, we have it on good knowledge that Oba Akanbi is passionate about the development of Iwoland and does not spare any sweat to see that materializing.
“In our various interactions with Chiefs and kingmakers of Iwo on the other hand, we know that their love and dedication to see Iwoland turning to a destination of modern development are unwavering.
“True to our observation of both sides in this conflict, we have seen that their combined efforts with the support of other eminent sons and daughters of Iwoland have brought the new Federal College of Education. Iwoland is now being given its deserved patronage and attention by government. Investors are now considering trusting the community with their investments. These and more are the reasons why the current conflict will rather be catastrophic to the increasing gains our community is now recording in terms of visibility and development.
“Having come to see both sides in their time of peace and harmony, we find the ongoing agitation as a threat to the renewed vigour exhibited by both sides in recent times to achieve a prosperous community.
“We are aware that the Kingmakers are bestowed with enormous power in our African monarchical system and as such, the people of Iwoland revere all the kingmakers and other chiefs surrounding the corridors of Oluwo-in-Council and hold them with profound respect.
“In every conflict, no party takes all blame and no party enjoys absolute exoneration. In this wise, we want to particularly appeal for calm and peace.”
The union called on the kingmakers to explore opportunity of dialogue in bringing fore their their agitation and finding solution to it.
The leadership of the Union again appeals to all men and women of note in and outside Iwoland to wade into this brewing conflict to nip it in the bud. In order to expand the pace of development and good image of Iwoland, Oba Akanbi remains an active agent required to propel sustainable progress for our Land.
