Osun state Traditional rulers under the auspices of Osun Divisional Conference of Obas have appealed to journalists to stop sensational and provocative reporting of the crisis that happened recently between the Hausa and Yoruba community in Ile-Ife.
The Obas in a communiqué issued and signed by the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Kayode and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi at the end of the emergency meeting of the Obas on “Security and Peaceful co-existence between Yoruba and Hausa community” held at the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace urged both print and broadcast journalists to stop writing reports that can lead to another crisis in the ancient city.
The communiqué read in part:
“Conference condemned the recent conflict which saw some Yorubas and the Hausa community in Ile-Ife engaging in clash leading to loss of lives and properties.
“Obas observe that long standing and inter-twined relationship between the Hausas and Yorubas in Ile-ife is such that mutual respect and pursuance of peaceful co-existence should be the cardinal principal of all especially at our market places.
“Conference admonishes the Press to stop sensational reportage on the Electronic, Print and Social media. We have had enough of these comments which do more harm than good on the crisis. What we desire is peace and good inter-relationship.
“Conference frowns at the role of the market leaders from the two sides who were not very fast in reporting the matter to the Ooni’s palace, a step which would have prevented the crisis.
“The Obas pray to Almighty God to grant the souls of the lives lost external bliss, restore the health of the injured, and raise the fortunes of those who lost their valuable properties.
“Conference assures all Hausa and other non- yorubas in the state of Osun of their safety. They should go about their business activities and avoid taking laws into their hands. They should report any challenge they have to traditional rulers where they reside and do all the needful to be law abiding.
“The Obas express profound appreciation to Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, the governor state of Osun and Alayeluwa Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II whose timely intervention prevented the crisis from getting worse.
“Conference urges the people of the state to be security conscious. The rate at which our youths take hard drugs especially Marijuanah which may be the cause of the cases of criminality in the state is worrisome. Conference urges all Obas to be vigilant while security operatives are admonished to adopt the policy of crime prevention at all times.
“Special prayers were offered to God Almighty for the government and the people of Nigeria and the state of Osun for peace, security and prosperity.”
Packaged by Bunmi Oladejo
