The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on Saturday called for peace and harmony within his domain saying that all warring factions in the crisis at Shasha, Ibadan should sheathe their swords.
Note that the Shasha market and environs had been thrown into crisis since Wednesday when an argument that ensued between a pregnant woman and an Hausa portal led to the attack and subsequent death of a cobbler who tried to meditate between them.
The Olubadan, who maintained that to jaw-jaw is better than war-war, bemoaned the high level of insecurity in the land in recent times.
Obama Adetunji spoke in Ibadan on Saturday after holding virtual meetings with relevant stakeholders in the city, including Hausa/Fulani leaders.
The monarch lamented that for all to truly act as Nigerians, it is important for the citizens to eschew violence and bitterness by ensuring that minor conflicts do not degenerate to unnecessary tension.
He said, “Many of our compatriots have been living with each other for a long time. We grow up and attend schools together. People from diverse ethnic groups do inter marry and give birth to lovely children.”
The Olubadan stated that it came to him as a surprise that crisis could break out in Sasa culminating in large scale destruction such as burning down of properties belonging to neighbours.
He said, “Immediately the report of the crisis got to us in the palace yesterday (Friday), the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde was the first person I called and we have his promise that appropriate action would be taken as sinners would not go unpunished.
He urged the governor to look into the possibility of compensating all those who were affected by the needless crisis.
Recall that the Oyo State Government on Saturday ordered the closure of Shasha market in Akinyele Local Government Area of Ibadan following the violence in the community.
The closure of Shasha Market, the government said, is indefinite in view of the growing tension.
Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, indicated in a statement signed by the governor that the order was given so as to forestall breakdown of law and order in the area.
The curfew, which he said covered Shasha and the market area, is to run from 6 pm. to 7 am.
The statement warned residents of the area to go about their legitimate businesses peacefully, stating that anyone caught perpetrating violence would face the wrath of the law.
It read, “His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has directed the immediate closure of Shasha market indefinitely following reports of a breach of peace in the area.
“The governor has also approved the imposition of curfew on Shasha. It will run from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“Residents of the affected area are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses within the hours stipulated by the law.
“Anyone caught disrupting the peace of the community will be made to face the wrath of the law.”
Checks shows that some residents of Shasha had temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities in the wake of the recent development for fear of reprisal attack by the conflicting groups.
