In what seems a means of boosting confidence of non-indegenes residing in the state, the apex socio-cultural organisation of all Ibadan indigenes, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes on Thursday assured all residents, especially northerners of a continued hospitality in the state.
President-General, CCII, Chief Yemi Soladoye gave the assurance in a remark at an event to mark the Fifth Coronation Anniversary of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji held at Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Noting that the recent crisis that erupted in Shasha and some other parts of the state are never ethnic or tribal as some people are making it look, Soladoye said the Yorubas and Hausa communities, just like other non-indegens have years of robust mutual peaceful co-existence.
He added that findings had revealed that the crisis, especially that of Shasha was just between traders on certain personal issues.
He stressed that despite the hitches, Ibadan and by extension the entire state still has a good record of tolerance, hospitality and peaceful co-existence with settlers and non-indegenes in the entire country which shows in the higher number of non-indegenes settling in the city on a daily basis.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the moves and approach adopted in tackling the crisis that has seen peace returned to the community, adding that the entire indigenes and groups are behind him always.
He called for a better youth engagement and provision of jobs for the unemployed in order to get them engaged productively.
Soladoye said “We want the whole world to know that despite the Shasha episode, Ibadan still maintains its record of high level of hospitality, tolerance, accommodation and indeed the largest city in Nigeria where all ethnic groups all over the world reside.
“Shasha, Sabo, Ekotedo, Ago Tapa, Ago Igbira, Isale ijebu, Ago Tailor, Oke Shapati) and all religious groups co-exist without records of ethnic or religious riots. The Shasha episode was principally personalised issues among the traders as against ethnic issue between Ibadan and her guests.
“We seize this opportunity to confirm to our Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, that we solidly stand by him and commend him for the efforts taken so far on the return of peaceful co-existence to Shasha in particular and Oyo State in general.
“Any attempt to discountenance the restiveness of our youths in Ibadanland is tantamount to sitting on a keg of gun- powder. The emerging housing and real estate boom in Ibadanland being induced by the new rail system, the Inland Dry Port, the Circular Road and the expanded Lagos/Ibadan Expressway all combine to provide ample opportunities to get our youths engaged in professional sports and vocational jobs.”
Speaking on the need for a review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy System, the CCII leader urges the Olubadan to emulate some of his predecessors by setting up a committee to review the system.
“On the auspices of today’s joyous occasion, we hereby appeal to to our Olubadan to please emulate the likes of the Bake Oyesile Ougbode ( 1851-1864) and Oba Isaac Akinyele (1955-1964) by setting up a committee to carry out comprehensive review of our Chieftaincy System in Ibadanland and where necessary present the issues approved by the Olubadan in Council to the Government of Oyo State for ratification.
“To study all the past reviews in the Olubadan Chieftaincy Law with a view to removing some landmines already planted therein which may derail the age-long smooth transition and rancourless ascension to the throne of Olubadan eg spreading the choice of a new Olubadan to the Ekerin position.”
The Olubadan expressed gratitude to his chiefs, dignitaries and other present at the ceremony and for the honor done to him, praying more peaceful Ibadanland in the years ahead.
The event was attended by member dog the Olubadan-In-Council, Chiefs, community leaders, traditional rulers, titles holders among others from Ibadanland.
