Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso preached peaceful coexistence to the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Shasha, Ibadan after the recent crisis that rocked the market.
Former Kano State Governor made the appeal on Friday during his visit to the community in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Kwankwanso appealed to both parties to give peace a chance, stressing the need for total peace in the country.
“What I saw (burnt shops) is not good for anybody. Let everyone doing legitimate business ensure peace reigns. I appeal to all concerned to rebuild Shahsa market.” he said.
The member representing Akinyele Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kehinde Olatunde revealed that the crisis was about the refusal of the Hausa community to allow a Yoruba person to emerge as the new chairman of the market.
He said the Hausa community has produced the chairman since the establishment of the market in 1979, adding that the Yoruba traders insisted that a Yoruba person must be allowed to lead the market this time.
Olatunde said the crisis was solely about the leadership of the market which brought ethnic colouration after it started.
“We welcome your efforts to broker peace at Shasha. Since 1979 when the Shasha market was established, we have never had any crisis. It was all due to leadership tussle at the market.
“Since 1979, Hausa have always produced the chairman of the market but the Yoruba traders said it must be one of them this time. What has happened is a regrettable incident. We want you to use your good offices to bring total reconciliation.”
Baale of Shasha, Chief Amusa Ajani, however, objected to preferential treatment for Hausa traders, saying it will be unfair to pamper them to the detriment of Yoruba traders after they have allegedly set their stalls ablaze.
“Don’t resettle them and abandon us. That will be unfair. Let them return to the market and let the government fulfill its promise so that the Shasha market will come alive again for all traders.”