Leaders of the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Ojoo, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
This follows a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Oyo State Government, in the aftermath of the violent disturbance that rocked the area earlier in the day.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, brought together officials of the Akinyele Local Government, community leaders and security agencies to address the security situation and chart a path towards restoring lasting peace.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, the Chairman of the Yoruba Community in Ojoo, Chief Sholagbade Azeez, said both the Hausa and Yoruba communities had resolved to work together in the interest of peace and security.
According to him, both communities accepted the resolutions reached at the meeting and expressed confidence in the government’s intervention.
“We came here to meet with the Deputy Governor, and both the Hausa and Yoruba communities agreed with the assurances given by the government.
“We are united in our position and have resolved to cooperate fully with the authorities,” he said.
Azeez disclosed that one of the key resolutions reached at the meeting was the planned removal of occupants of the shanties believed to pose security concerns in the area.
“Our major concern is that we do not want those people to continue staying there. The government assured us that they would be removed, and that is all we are asking for.
“We believe they constitute a security threat, and we have been promised that the necessary action will be taken,” he added.
When asked about the timeline for the exercise, the community leader said they were hopeful that the government would act within one week.
Also speaking, a leader of the Hausa Community in Ojoo, Abubakar Musa, commended the state government for its swift intervention following the crisis.
He said the Deputy Governor informed stakeholders that the government was dissatisfied with the incident and had directed the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government to ensure that all illegal structures and shanties at the disputed location were cleared within seven days.
According to Musa, individuals claiming ownership of the land have also been directed to present documentary evidence to substantiate their claims.
“The Deputy Governor made it clear that the government will not tolerate any situation capable of threatening public peace.
“He directed that the area should be cleared within seven days, while anyone claiming ownership of the land should provide the necessary documents,” he said.
Musa stressed that the Hausa and Yoruba communities have maintained a long-standing cordial relationship and should not be blamed for the violence.
“We have a formal understanding between our communities. Whenever there is an issue involving either side, it is reported through our recognised leaders for peaceful resolution.
“We have even documented this arrangement and submitted it to the government.
“The Hausa and Yoruba communities are like one family. We do not have any conflict with one another. Peace has been restored, and we are committed to sustaining it,” he stated.
He, however, alleged that many of those involved in the disturbance were not indigenes or long-term residents of Ojoo but individuals who came into the area from elsewhere.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the meeting forms part of the Oyo State Government’s efforts to prevent a recurrence of the violence and strengthen security in the community, with residents expressing optimism that the planned demolition of illegal shanties and the continued collaboration among stakeholders will help restore normalcy.