The indigenous people of Ejiyan-Ekiti in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria, have appealed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, to facilitate payment of full compensations to the families whose properties were affected by the project.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
A statement made available to journalists by the Chairman and the Secretary, Ejiyan-Ekiti Development Council, Chief Adepoju Ajibare and Dele Borishade, respectively explained that the military barrack that was approved, sited and referred to as the Nigerian Army Barrack, Ipoti-Ekiti was established in 2013 prior to the granting of autonomy to Ejiyan-Ekiti community.
The statement said all the families who are the indigenous land owners of the location of the military barrack are of Ejiyan-Ekiti descent. The entire land therefore belongs to Ejiyan-Ekiti community.
According to the statement, about 75% of the compensation for the destruction of the economic trees and other valuables on the land that should have been paid over 10 years ago still remains outstanding and should be paid to the concerned families without further delay to lessen their pains of anguish.
“We therefore appeal that whatever would be the final decision or remedial action on the location of this project, either in terms of retaining the military barrack or replacing it with another institution, the now autonomous community named Ejiyan-Ekiti should be recognised as the traditional owner of the location,” the statement said.
The community also condemned the relocation of the 148 Nigerian Army Barrack, Ipoti-Ekiti to Ikere-Ekiti stressing that it was unable to rationalise the decision.
The community, however, appealed to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Senate Leader, Hon Adeyemi Bamidele and other relevant stakeholders in the constituency to ensure that justice is done to the people of Ejiyan-Ekiti.
