Ife Hausa/Yoruba Clash: Despite Panel’s Failure To Submit Report, Traders Co-Habit Peacefully

By Sodiq Lawal

Despite the failure of panel of inquiry set up by the State Government of Osun to submit its report of findings on the immediate cause of the clash between Hausa and Yoruba Traders at the Sabo market in the ancient town, investigations have revealed that activities in the market has continued to boom as both parties continue to co-habit peacefully.

The crisis, which broke out on March 8, 2017  claimed many lives while property worth millions of naira were destroyed between the two warring factions.

 

The committee had since July 7, 2017 concluded their investigation and promised to give appropriate recommendations to the government.

After the last sitting, the secretary of the panel, Mr. Bisi Babalola, said “We received 406 memoranda and we have treated 289. I can assure the public that the panel would soon make recommendation to the government in due course.

When the secretary to the committee was contacted on why the report has not been presented to the Governor, Mr. Bisi Babalola said he would not be able to comment on the matter.

He said the Chairman, Retired Justice Adeigbe would be able to give appropriate answer on the report.

When Babalola was told that Justice Adeigbe has retired, he said the Chairman of the panel remains until the panel is dissolved by the Governor.

He said Justice Adeigbe only retired as a Judge and not as chairman of the panel of enquiry.

When Justice Adeigbe was contacted on phone, he said the report is being prepared and assured that it would be presented soon.

Justice Adeigbe who refused to speak further on the report of the committee, stated that the Attorney General of the state or Secretary to the government would be able to speak further on the present stage of the report.

Despite this, our correspondent who visited the market on Thursday observed that the Hausa and Yoruba traders still do their business in peace, harmony and unity.

Investigation revealed that most traders who lost millions of properties and families have forgone the mayhem and continued to live in peace.

An Hausa trader who trades his business at Sabo, Mallam Muhammadu Sanii said that, ” we have forgotten all that had happened. We have been living peacefully with the Yoruba traders. As for me, I do trade with Yoruba in Ile Ife every day.”