The indigenous people of Ejiyan-Ekiti have appealed to the Chief of Army Staff(COAS) ,4).Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede to facilitate full compensations to the families whose properties were affected by the project.
A statement by the Chairman, Ejiyan-Ekiti Development Council, Chief Adepoju Ajibare and the Secretary, Dele Borishade 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.
They 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.
The community therefore condemned the relocation of the 148 Nigerian Army Barrack, Ipoti-Ekiti to Ikere-Ekiti as we are unable to rationalise the decision.
“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 however appealed to governor Biodun Oyebanji ,the Senate Leader,Hon Opeyemi Bamidele and other stakeholders in the Constituency to ensure that justice is done to the people of Ejiyan-Ekiti