Governor Kayode Fayemi on Monday said no one can chase Fulani herders from Yorubaland, warning those agitated about herdsmen presence in the Southwest to exercise calmness.

Mr. Fayemi’s comments came when he spoke at a meeting of Fulani and Yoruba leaders in Akure on Monday, as leaders across the country sought to deflate rising tensions over deadly herdsmen exploits across the southern parts of the country.

“This is your home. You’ve lived here, married and done business with us. Nobody’s going anywhere,” Mr. Fayemi said at the meeting as reported by Sahara Reporters. 

The Ekiti governor also reportedly sought to clarify the widely reported directive of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who issued a vacation order to all herdsmen putting up in Ondo forests. A spokesman for Mr. Akeredolu did not immediately return a request seeking comments Monday evening.

“The statement by the Ondo State Government had no eviction reference,” Mr. Fayemi said. 

It was not immediately clear how Mr. Akeredolu responded to his counterpart’s comments about his own directive, which has received a warm reception across Yorubaland. 

As the chairman of Governors’ Forum, Mr. Fayemi’s careful navigation of the outrage against herdsmen might be understandable, especially as his political ally President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated a strong disapproval in the campaign to drive herders from Yorubaland.