The Idere Descendants’ Vanguard (IDV) has successfully intervened in a political dispute involving Dr. Lamidi Rasaq Oladiti and Mr. Abiodun Eniola, bringing an end to a feud that had generated concern among members of Idere community.
The dispute stemmed from separate articles published by the two individuals. Dr. Lamidi Rasaq authored an article titled “Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina: The Tested, Trusted and Widely Accepted Choice for Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency,” while Mr. Biodun Eniola responded with “Quisling of Idere Land: When Rasaq Oladiti’s Loyalty to Muraina Betrays Truth and the People.” The exchange subsequently sparked tensions within the community and attracted reactions from various stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the President of the Idere Descendants’ Vanguard, Dr. Eyitayo Bisi Olagbenro, the organisation disclosed that it closely monitored the situation and listened to grievances from both parties as the disagreement threatened peaceful coexistence within the town.
To prevent further escalation, the group convened a reconciliatory meeting involving the two parties and prominent community leaders. According to the statement, the meeting provided an opportunity for both Dr. Lamidi Rasaq and Mr. Abiodun Eniola to openly present their concerns and grievances before respected stakeholders of the community.
Following deliberations, IDV strongly condemned statements and remarks capable of undermining the integrity of Idere and promoting character assassination under the guise of political engagement. The organisation emphasised that Idere remains one of the three political blocs in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area and should not be described as a community lacking political value or relevance.
The group also defended the political standing of Hon. Sarafa Olaoniye, popularly known as Bibire, describing him as a respected son of the soil whose political influence, support base, structure and strategic contributions remain significant within and beyond the community. It maintained that achievements recorded by indigenes of Idere, including academic accomplishments, should be celebrated rather than ridiculed.
IDV equally condemned statements suggesting that Dr. Lamidi Rasaq’s loyalty to Hon. Muraina Ajibola could lead him to harm his parents, describing such comments as defamatory and inconsistent with the values of the community. The organisation noted that no such incident has ever been recorded in Idere and urged residents to avoid inflammatory remarks capable of damaging reputations.
According to the statement, apologies and pleas were made, including an unreserved apology from Mr Abiodun Eniola to Dr. Lamidi Rasaq. The apologies, alongside appeals from community leaders, brought the matter to a close.
IDV thereafter urged both parties to sheathe their swords and refrain from further media engagements on the issue in the interest of peace and unity.
Among those who attended the peace meeting were the Mogaji of Idere Land, Alhaji Ramoni O. Lawal; Mr. Biodun Adegbenjo; IDV President, Dr. Eyitayo Bisi Olagbenro; Mr. Seun Leke; Mr. Olufemi Oyediran (Oba); Hon. Lukumon Alayande and Mr. Yekeen Sunday.
The IDV expressed optimism that the resolution of the dispute would strengthen unity within the community and encourage more constructive political engagement among its people.
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