The people of Offa and Erin-Ile have committed to peaceful co-existence in the interest of the development of both communities and the state at large. Olofa of Offa, His Royal Highness, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II and the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Ganiyu Olusokun II gave the pledge during a meeting in Ilorin today with the Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira.

In separate speeches, both traditional rulers pledged to promote peaceful co-existence between the two communities adding that their subjects will not be allowed to take the law into their hands under any guise. The Olofa of Offa pointed to the cordial relationship existing between him and Elerin of Erin-Ile as evidence of their collective resolve for good neighbourliness stressing that their subjects have taken a cue from this and will continue to maintain the peace. He said that given their aspirations for development, the people of Offa recognise peace as the major prerequisite for progress in any community. On his part, the Elerin of Erin-Ile, while describing the people of Erin-Ile as equally peaceful, said peace was uppermost in his and the people's minds, adding that he would do all in his power to ensure that the harmonious relationship between the two communities is maintained.

Speaking earlier, the deputy governor, Elder Peter Kisira, said the government is determined to maintain the state's reputation for harmonious co-existence and charged the traditional rulers to maintain peace between their communities. The Royal fathers, he said, have a responsibility to ensure their subjects refrain from any actions capable of disrupting the peace. Elder Kisira enjoined the traditional rulers to refer any disputes to the authorities to ensure amicable resolution.

Also speaking at the occasion, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, charged the traditional rulers to make peace their watchword and ensure that their subjects imbibe the spirit as nothing positive ever results from violence. He described Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed as a man of peace who is determined to promote the security of lives and property in the state which is key to the program of Shared Prosperity.