Kirikiri Community sues for peace, recommends dialogue in resolving conflicts

Residents of Kirikiri Town in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State made up of grassroots politicians, landlords, tenants, artisans and other professionals met recently at the residence of Chief Babalola Shabi, the Asiwaju of Kirikiri land in order to discuss the way forward for the peace and development of the community.

The residents vehemently condemned the recent invasion of the community by some security agents said to be working for a faction of the Cardoso family over a 2014 court judgment endorsing terms of settlement between factions of the family over a land dispute.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of Kirikiri Elders Forum, Mr Francis Yakubu condemned the invasion, saying the act was a threat to the people of Kirikiri. Mr Yakubu and Chief Shabi observed many irregularities in the purported judgment and appealed to all the factions to sheathe their swords in the interest of the community.

Among those present during the stakeholders and security meeting included Hakeem Bello, member Lagos State House of Assembly, who represented Oriade, Oba of Imore-Apapa and his white cap chiefs, Chief Shabi, Ms Winifred Cardoso, Comrade Showumi Cardoso, Mrs Bimbo Otomowo nee Cardoso and Mrs Olaitan Cardoso.

In his contribution, the Alahun of Imore-Apapa land, Oba Taofeek Adegbo-yega Akeju (Awojo III) mandated the Asiwaju of Kirikiri land, Chief Shabi to ensure peace within the factions of the Cardoso family. He described the family row as a bad experience and warned the warring members that the crisis should be approached with dialogue.

Mrs Bimbo Otomowo nee Cardoso, while speaking with journalists said the major problem was lack of unity among the Cardoso family, “lack of unity and peaceful co-existence among us, we should consider our tenants who have bought land for over 40 years and some of them have been issued freehold with payment to one Madam Sholowo for disbursement. How would a faction of the family just rose and started fomenting trouble?” She advised members of the family to close ranks for the safety of their tenants.

According to Chief Babalola Shabi, the property agent of the family said without peace there could be no progress and development. He advised all Cardoso family members to adopt dialogue as the only way to sustain peaceful co-existence.

Akeem Bello while speaking with journalists explained that the Lagos State government was committed to peace and progress of all the various nooks and crannies of the state, promised to use his position to foster peace among the parties involved.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of Depot Owners’ Association, Dr Mark condemned the recent invasion of the community by fierce-looking policemen under the pretext of carrying out a court order, which disrupted the already existing peace in the community. He therefore advised all the parties to come to terms and agree on the way forward for the sake of peace and progress of the community.

Andrew Orolua, Abuja.