Ife Crisis: Ooni Receives Govt’s Panel, Demands Fairness, Justice for Victims

By Abdulrofiu Agboola

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday, stated that he would do everything within his capability to ensure continuous relation between the Hausa and Yoruba in his town, Ile-ife.

Oba Ogunwusi also disclosed that he had met with the Chairman of the National Council for Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Alhaji Sa’ad Abukarar, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanisi to discuss on the recent crisis that ensued between the Hausa and Yoruba communities in order to avoid any reprisal attack.

Ooni stated this while receiving the Judicial Commission of Enquiry, headed by Justice Moshood Adekunle-Adeigbe in his palace, pleading with the commission to maintain neutrality and get to the bottom of what triggered the crisis.

According to Oba Ogunwusi, “My recent trip abroad afforded me the opportunity to meet with the two prominent Northern monarchs to discuss on positive move on the way forward and they all pledged that would not be reprisal attack, saying we don’t pray for any reprisal attack.”

Ooni who pointed out to the commission that Yoruba race are culturally oriented, therefore, the race should be the light for peace and harmony in the country.

The Chairman of the Panel, Justice Adeigbe informed the Ooni that the panel would have its sit in Ife, since the ancient city is where the crisis took place and assured that the commission would do justice to their findings and recommend appropriately.

Justice Adeigbe, who explained that all parties would be given fair-hearing, stated 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 dastard 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 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,” he added.

Addressing the Hausa community at the scene of the crisis, Justice Adeigbe urged the Hausas to continue with their businesses, stating that all perpetrators of the ugly act would be recommended for appropriate punishment.

He advised them to come out with any necessary information that can assist the panel in discharging its duties.

During the visit, members of the commission inspected some affected buildings and addressed leaders of both the Yoruba and Hausa indigenes.

It would be recalled that Osun State Government had set up the commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate cause of the disturbances, identify the perpetrators and extent of involvement and determine the extent of injury suffered by any individual or group.

They are also mandated to recommend appropriate civil or criminal action to be taken against the perpetrators, make appropriate suggestions to the State Government towards the prevention of future occurrence.

They are also to recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damages or injuries that may have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals in respect of matters received by it.

Members of the commission who have been given four weeks to work are: Justice Adeigbe who is the chairman, Mrs. Bose Dawodu DCP (rtd), Barrister Ismail Ajibade, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS and Mr. Bisi Babalola who will act as the secretary.