Insecurity: Ondo governor Akeredolu issues strong warning to Yorubas after Ibadan fracas
- Southwest indigenes must not take laws into their hands even in the face of provocation amid the current rising insecurity
- Governor Akeredolu issued this warning on Sunday, February 14 in his reaction to the Yoruba-Hausa clash in Ibadan on Saturday
- Akeredolu urged calm on the part of the Yorubas and assured them that the current tough times posed by insecurity will soon pass away
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Yoruba indigenes in southwest Nigeria have been warned against fighting with other ethnic groups living among them.
This warning was issued by Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in his reaction to the fracas that occurred between Yorubas and Hausas at Shasha market in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state on Saturday, February 13.
Speaking in his capacity as chairman of the Southwest Governors' Forum, Akeredolu, urged southwest indigenes not to take laws into their hands in addressing the current herdsmen crisis.
Akeredolu's words were contained in a statement titled Don't Take Laws Unto Your Hands, These Times Shall Pass, which he signed personally and released on Sunday, February 14.
Source: Twitter
The lawyer-turned-politician described the brouhaha in Shasha as avoidable and urged Yorubas to remain calm.
Akeredolu warned:
"In particular, while I understand the height of provocation in the light of recent happenings as regards Shasha, Ibadan, I, alongside my other brother Governors in the Region are against the willful appropriation of Laws unto hands. We do not support violence and in particular, brigandage, jungle justice and unnecessary self-help."
Akeredolu urged the Yorubas to show the hospitality and civility for which the southwest region is known.
The Ondo governor said:
"We have been known for thoroughness. We have identified with legality over the centuries, and our ethos as a civilised breed of people is such that we do not identify with lawlessness, not even illegality.
"In this regard, we urge all indigenes of the South West to sustain these values and enviable virtues by remaining law-abiding. Our resolve in this direction is not a sign of weakness; it is indeed, the strongest of all."
Akeredolu assured that:
"We shall all survive these times and live peacefully, once again in our lands.
Akeredolu also praised his Oyo counterpart Makinde for taking swift steps to prevent the situation in Shasha from degenerating on Saturday.
"We note with delight, the efforts of our brother Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who has taken very bold steps to stave off further escalation of the violence by imposing curfew in the affected areas. He deserves every support in his avowed commitment towards peace and security in Oyo State."
Legit.ng had reported how there was palpable tension at Shasha Community in Akinyele local government area of Ibadan, Oyo state after reprisal attacks broke out over the death of one cobbler simply identified as Shakirudeen.
Shakirudeen was reportedly killed while settling a rift between a woman and a porter in the market.
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Akinyemi Akinrujomu is a professionally trained journalist with over 16 years of experience. His knowledge spans print, broadcast, and online media. He has worked in several top media organizations in Nigeria. He has also pioneered several print media publications. He is a graduate of History and International Studies from the Lagos State University and he also holds a professional National Diploma in Journalism. He loves reading, travelling and listening to music.
Source: Legit.ng
