Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday ordered the re-opening of the popular Shasha market in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
The governor gave the directive after a meeting with representatives of Yoruba and Hausa communities after being assured of sustained peace in the community.
The stakeholders were led to the meeting held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan by the Baale of Sasa, Chief Amusa Alabi, and Seriki Hausa of Sasa, Haruna Mai Yasin.
Declaring that the curfew imposed on the community in the wake of the violence had been lifted, Governor Makinde said the market is being reopened for the survival of the people.
He said, “Since peace has returned to the market and the community, we have given the go-ahead that the market be reopened. I have ordered that some palliatives be done. This is because we also want to see what is happening there at night. So, I instructed that solar light be done so that we will see what is going on there every day and night.
“In our environment, economic activities are very germane and basic. We do not want our people to be hungry and angry so that we do not precipitate another issue.
“So, closing the market for an extended period of time is not sustainable but the fact that all the stakeholders within the community have come together themselves, is a good step in the right direction.”
The governor also announced the closure of Iroko market adding that its promoters were reportedly part of the traders who caused the recent clash at Sasha market.
He said, “The Iroko Market will remain shut. From what we heard, the promoters of that market were part of the people causing confusion and problem at Sasa Market. We will take a long-term view of the Iroko Market but in the meantime, it must remain shut.
“I thank you because I know what it takes for you to be here. I have listened to you the leaders of Sasa.”When my brother-governors visited Seriki Sasa’s palace, while we were working around, I realised that both the people I saw at Seriki’s place and those I met at Baale’s place were not happy because they have been deprived of doing their job.
“If you look at Oyo State, even when the COVID-19 was at its peak, I decided not to shut our market places because I know and also explained to the leadership of the country at the national level that in our state, we have people that the proceeds from what they get today will determine if they will eat tomorrow or not.
“So, considering the economic situation and the peculiarities we have with us, I have heard what you said, and we will immediately reopen the Sasa Market.”The Commissioner for Local Government is here. They will bring bulldozer to the market today or tomorrow morning. They will clear the place and whatever palliatives we can do will be done. “But I want to appeal to you largely to continue to have a good relationship with the Baale and Seriki of Sasa just the way it has been.
“Please, go back to it and wherever you need our support, we will ensure we give it to you. And if there are challenges, we are all here to fix them for you. Return to the market and Sasa community. “The solar street-light installed at Ojoo will also be installed at the market so that you can trade both day and night and the community also will be well illuminated.”
The meeting had in attendance Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Bayo Lawal;Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Adebisi Adebiyi; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin; the DIG, in charge of South-West, David Folawiyo and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police – Ngozi Onadeko, among others.
