In an effort to end the clashes between the farmers and herders, especially during the dry season, the Ogun State Government convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with Fulani leaders from within and outside the state.
The meeting, which took place in Abeokuta over the weekend, brought together all Serikis Fulani, zonal coordinators, and pastoralist representatives in what officials described as a critical dialogue to foster lasting peace.
Alhaji Hadi Sani, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, said the forum was designed to tackle long-standing inter-ethnic tensions and promote peaceful coexistence through strategic planning.
His words: “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 writing and we all sign.”
Sani stressed the need for early preparation ahead of the dry season — a period often associated with disputes over grazing routes and farmland encroachment.
“Leadership has to do with being fair in decision, and we are moving towards taking those firm decisions that would give us peace in our society,” he said. “We are using this opportunity to call on all Fulani leadership to deliberate on a concrete and sustainable modality that will ensure smooth and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.”
The governor’s aide noted that Ogun State was adopting a non-kinetic approach to resolving conflicts — emphasizing dialogue, community sensitization, and formal agreements in the form of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to ensure accountability.
Addressing the government’s efforts, Seriki Fulani of Abeokuta and South-West Zonal Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Muhammad Kabir, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peacebuilding.
“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,” Kabir said.
Kabir also lauded the state government for its deliberate inclusion of Fulani representation through Alhaji Sani’s office, describing him as a “tireless bridge-builder.”
He added that the forthcoming MOU would outline specific roles, duties, and prohibitions to be submitted to both the state government and security agencies — a framework meant to ensure mutual accountability and a sustainable path to inter-community harmony.
“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 concluded.
