Oyo Govt Holds Meeting On Peaceful Cohabitation of Yoruba, Hausa Traders at Ibadan Market

The Oyo State Government and representatives of Hausa community have agreed to relocate Okada riders lodging illegally at the Scout Camp Neighborhood Business Complex to ensure unity and peaceful cohabitation among all tribes in the State.

It was noted during the flag-off ceremony of “Oja Agbe” recently that more than 50 commercial Okada riders were illegally squatting in the complex at night, which constituted major security threat to lives and properties of traders.

The Commissioner for Trade , Industry, Investment and Cooperatives , Hon Adeniyi Adebisi presided over an emergency meeting with representatives of head of the Hausa community in Ibadan, to discuss the way forward on the issue which was already generating fear and discord among traders at the Scout Camp Neighborhood Business Complex, in his office.

According to Hon. Adebisi the State Government was not driving away anyone doing legitimate business in the complex but frowned at the illegal squatting in the business complex after the close of business.

He said sleeping in the Scout camp neighborhood business complex at night by okada riders constituted security threat to the traders and their goods in the complex and the area where the complex is situated.

“As much as Oyo State welcome all tribes and ethnic groups to come and do business in our State, we will also make sure the security of individuals doing business is in place, to do this, we must make sure everyone play his or her role.

“The Scout Camp Neighborhood market is for traders to sell and buy and not for night lodging, the Okada riders have to find a suitable place for them to sleep after their daily commercial activities, it is not proper for them to sleep inside the market.

“This will give those trading in the market the confidence that their lives and their properties are secure, the present administration has shown that no stone will be left unturned to achieve peaceful atmosphere for commercial growth of the State, all we need is cooperation of all stakeholders in achieving this.”

One of the representatives of Seriki Saasa, Alhaji Kazeem Yaro appreciated the State Government for giving Hausa traders opportunity to trade at the Scout Camp Neighborhood Business Complex, promising that the okada riders would be relocated to a more conducive area for sleeping.

Yaro promised that the Hausa community was ready to co-habitate peacefully with all tribes in the State.