The traditional leaders in Ondo State have backed the State governor; Rotimi Akeredolu over the 7-day ultimatum given to Fulani herdsmen to vacate forest reserves across the state by the governor.
Newsflash had earlier reported that the Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu had given Fulani herders a seven-day ultimatum to leave the forests starting from Monday, January 17, citing the rising insecurity in the State.
The Governor observed that bad elements had turned the forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.
But the traditional rulers in the state who on Thursday threw their support behind the governor’s move for unregistered herders to vacate government forest reserves.
Briefing journalists in Akure, the state capital shortly after an emergency meeting, the monarchs called on President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate to the world that he is the father of all irrespective of ethnic affiliation.
The Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh who spoke on behalf of the monarchs, also appealed to Buhari to advise his aides to always exercise restraints on issues that border on the prevailing insecurity in the country.
While frowning at what they described as a deliberate attempt by some persons to twist the governor‘s clear directive as regards the ultimatum, the monarchs said Fulanis like any other ethnic groups are free to live and conduct their legitimate businesses anywhere in the country including Ondo state.
