The governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State during last year general election, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has commiserated with Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and all the traders whose properties and wares were affected during the early morning fire that razed the popular Akesan market in the town.
Chief Adelabu described the incident as very unfortunate and prayed that the Almighty Allah will replenish the losses in folds.
“I was deeply touched when I received the news. More disheartening is that the fire service base that is less than 20 metres to the market could not be mobilised to stop the inferno due to dysfunctional equipments.
“It is high time the government woke up to its responsibilities as what is the essence of a government that cannot protect his people at a critical time of need such as this.
“I advise that Oyo state government take a critical look at both the immediate and remote causes of this incident as well as circumstances surrounding the lack of capacity of the fire service personnel to rise to the occasion, with a view to preventing future re-occurence.
“I appeal to the affected traders to remain calm and be conscious of what they do especially during this harmattan period. I promise to visit shortly and extend little assistance within my personal capacity as a show of love to and solidarity with those affected”.