The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Majesty Mike Sado, has successfully brokered a truce between the management of BUA Cement and over 400 sacked truck drivers, bringing an end to a protracted labour dispute that had disrupted economic activities in the community.

Speaking on the development on Wednesday in Benin, the Edo State capital, the monarch disclosed that the intervention became necessary following protests by the affected drivers, which led to their dismissal and the eventual shutdown of the company’s transport operations in Okpella.

He noted that the situation had worsened unemployment and hardship among residents.

According to him, “These were issues that even the state government is aware of, and community leaders had been making efforts to resolve them. When the drivers protested, management sacked about 400 of them and shut down the entire transport system, which created serious economic challenges.”

The royal father explained that he led a high-powered delegation to meet with the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, where extensive discussions were held to resolve the impasse.

He said the delegation appealed for leniency and reconsideration of the company’s earlier decision not to recall the affected workers.

“We pleaded with the chairman, and after deliberations, we all agreed that the drivers should be reinstated. Before now, management had concluded they would not be recalled, but the intervention yielded positive results,” the monarch stated

He further revealed that, beyond reinstatement, the BUA chairman also approved the payment of salary arrears owed to the workers for the period they were out of employment.

“I also pleaded with him to pay their arrears from January to March, which he graciously granted,” he added.

In addition, the monarch disclosed that the meeting also addressed broader community development concerns, including the long-promised construction of a hospital by BUA Cement.

He further disclosed that designs for the hospital is ready, adding that any moment from now, the groundbreaking ceremony will be done.

He reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of his people, noting that the resolution of the labour dispute was part of efforts to uplift living standards and create opportunities for youths in the community.

He emphasized that disputes are inevitable in any society but stressed that the ability to resolve conflicts amicably remains key to progress.

“What is important is not the absence of crisis, but the willingness to resolve issues and move forward for the collective good,” he said. (THISDAY)

•Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu alongside the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Majesty Mike Sado