Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State on Tuesday directed the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters to deploy bulldozers to clear the razed Sasa Market.
This, according to Makinde, is to allow immediate immediate re-opening of the crisis-torn market, located in Akinyele local government area.
OYOINSIGHT.COM had reported how Makinde, after a meeting with representatives of Yoruba and Hausa communities who are stakeholders in the market, said that he has agreed to reopen the market, having been assured of sustained peace.
The stakeholders were led by the Baale Sasa, Amusa Alabi, and Seriki Hausa of Sasa, Malam Haruna Mai Yasin, to the meeting which held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde stated that the market is being reopened so that people can continue to make their ends meet.
He also declared that his government has lifted the curfew imposed on the area in the wake of the violence that erupted in the market recently.
He said that due to the normalcy that has returned to the area, the government will put in place palliatives, while also ensuring that adequate security measures are in place to ensure people go about their normal businesses without threats.
He stated that every effort must be put in place to forestall any outbreak of crisis.
He said: “Since peace has returned to the market and the community, we have given the go ahead that the market be reopened. I have ordered that some palliatives be done. This is because we also want to see what is happening there at night. So, I instructed that solar light be done so that we will see what is going on there every day and night.
“In our environment, economic activities are very germane and basic. We do not want our people to be hungry and angry so that we do not precipitate another issue.
“So, closing the market for an extended period of time is not sustainable but the fact that all the stakeholders within the community have come together themselves, it is a good step in the right direction.”
“So, considering the economic situation and the peculiarities we have with us, I have heard what you said, and we will immediately reopen the Sasa Market.
“The Commissioner for Local Government is here. They will bring bulldozer to the market today or tomorrow morning. They will clear the place and whatever palliatives we can do will be done.
“But I want to appeal to you largely to continue to have a good relationship with the Baale and Seriki of Sasa just the way it has been.
“Please, go back to it and wherever you need our support, we will ensure we give it to you. And if there are challenges, we are all here to fix them for you. Return to the market and Sasa community.
“So, once again, I am coming back to Sasa Market when the commercial activities must have begun fully. “The solar street-light installed at Ojoo will also be installed at the market so that you can trade both day and night and the community also will be well illuminated.”
