By Dipo Awojobi – Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos has supported the proposal by the state Assembly for the relocation of the popular Mile 12 market where a bloody fracas broke out between Hausa and Yoruba traders last week.
According to him, the relocation should however, be embarked upon if it will bring peace and tranquillity to the communities.
His view was also echoed by Oba Samuel Oloyede of Ikosi who noted that the call for the relocation of the market by the State House of Assembly was a step in the right direction.
Oba Akiolu also requested that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode should severely punish the perpetrators of the clash.
Akiolu made the demands at a stakeholders forum organised at the Iga-Idugaran, Lagos Island for residents and stakeholders in the communities.
He lamented that the clash which further led to the destruction of property and displacement of residents was not acceptable.
He described ethnic clashes in the state as one too many, urging residents to co-exist with one another, saying that Lagos is a melting pot of ethnic nationalities in the country and wondered why some people incessantly attempted to threaten the diversity of the state.
The monarch urged traditional rulers in the communities to give true leadership to their subjects and swiftly intervene in disputes before they escalate.
Earlier, the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos State, Alhaji Aminu Yaro, lamented that the incident was unfortunate and promised to constantly engage the leaders of Arewa communities on peaceful co-existence with their host.
His words “The incident was unfortunate. We will do our best to talk to everybody on how we can handle things better to avert this kind of problem.”
Oba Samuel Oloyede of Ikosi on his part, thanked Akiolu for holding the meeting, saying it was an opportunity for stakeholders to strategise and find lasting peace at Mile 12.
