The five-man judicial commission of enquiry set-up by Osun state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola to look into the ethnic clash that erupted between Yoruba and Hausa indigenes in Ile-Ife on March 8 on Thursday began work with a promise that they will be neutral in the discharge of their assignment.
The commission led by Justice Moshood Adeigbe, first visited the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in his palace assuring him that all parties would be given fair-hearing.
Adeigbe maintained that members of the commission would not trade their integrity for anything.
He said the commission was out to ensure that the real perpetrators of the dastardly act were brought to book and ensure that all warring factions were appeased.
“We are here to inform you of our mission. We are men of integrity and we assure you that we will be totally neutral in our duty. We will do our job without fear or favour to anyone or group in the matter. We hope to have your support.”
In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi who appreciated the governor Aregbesola for his prompt response during the crisis and for doing the needful, pledged his support and that of his Chiefs in ensuring that the members of the commission actualise their mission.
He admonished them to avoid bias, stating that they should be honest in their investigation.
The monarch who expressed sadness that the crisis happened in Ile-Ife, the origin of Yoruba race informed members of the commission that many Yoruba leaders were interested in the outcome of their investigation.
He explained that the recent trip he made was meant to foster peace and unity in every part of Nigeria and Yorubaland in particular.
The monarch said, “I had to take permission from the Chief Security Officer before travelling few days after the incident happened. My trip to the United Kingdom was for very important reasons and I met many Northern leaders like the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar who helped to speak to their people so that there won’t be reprisal attack. I am happy that there has been no record of reprisal attack.
“I am pleased to receive you all; I am fully with you. As you have said, please be neutral so that you can get to the bottom of what triggered the unfortunate incident. Because it happened at the epicentre of the Yoruba race, a lot of people are interested in the outcome of your mission. I have received many phone calls from different parts of the world as regards this and I pray such doesn’t occur in any part of the country again.”
Members of the commission later visited the scene of the clash calling for affidavit from victims and eyewitnesses.
During the visit, members of the commission did a sight-seeing of some affected buildings and addressed leaders of both the Yoruba and Hausas.
Packaged by Bunmi Oladejo
