The meeting, held in Abeokuta on Saturday under the coordination of Alhaji Hadi Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, brought together all Serikis Fulani, zonal leaders, and representatives of pastoralist communities.
It served as a critical platform to discuss pressing inter-ethnic issues, promote peaceful coexistence, and chart a lasting roadmap for conflict prevention.
Speaking at the meeting, Hadi Sani emphasized the importance of leveraging the rainy season to prepare for the dry season, a period historically marked by heightened tensions between farmers and herders disputes.
“In this meeting, we are moving towards abandoning some cultural decisions that are not suitable for our peaceful coexistence, those are the agenda I’m pushing for this meeting and I want to push it to the extent that we put it in written and we all sign. Leadership as to do with a kind of been fair in decision and are moving towards taking those firm decision that would give us peace in our society.
“We are using this opportunity to call upon all Fulani leadership to deliberate on a concrete and sustainable modality that will ensure smooth and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders,” he stated.
Acknowledging the widespread nature of such conflicts across states like Benue, Plateau, and Edo, Hadi Sani noted that Ogun State is strengthening the non-kinetic approach, focusing on dialogue, sensitization, and the development of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to guide conduct between communities.
He further revealed his engagement with the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and shared that discussions are ongoing to bring federal intervention to Ogun State.
“We have dissected key issues such as migration, farmland encroachment, ethnic misunderstandings, and language barriers. Each of these will be treated as individual agenda items, with input from community leaders to develop action plans,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir, the Seriki Fulani of Abeokuta and South-West Zonal Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), affirmed the commitment of Fulani leadership to peaceful coexistence.
“We summoned all our Serikis and leaders from across Ogun and neighboring states for this crucial conversation. We are discussing how to internally resolve crises before they escalate and will be signing an MOU that reflects our commitment to peace,” he said.
Alhaji Kabir commended the state government for appointing a dedicated fellow as a Senior Special Assistant and praised Alhaji Hadi Sani’s tireless efforts in bridging ethnic divides and fostering mutual understanding.
“We will work hand in hand with community leaders Obas, Baales, CDA chairmen, and farmers’ associations to prevent farmland encroachment and ensure peaceful relationships,” he said.
He added that the proposed MOU, which is expected to be submitted to the state government and security agencies, will detail roles, responsibilities, and prohibited actions to ensure all parties are held accountable in upholding peace.
