Osun Market Fire: Oyetola Expresses Shock, Sympathizes with Victims, Traders

..calls for precautionary measures

Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed shock over the fire incidence that gutted Oja-Oba market in the early hours of Tuesday, in Osogbo and therefore Sympathized with the victims and traders.

Oyetola urged the citizens to prioritize personal and collective safety as part of efforts to forestall possible disasters as dry season is approaching.

Governor Oyetola made the statement during his on-the-spot assessment of the site of the inferno at popular Oja-Oba market, Osogbo, the state capital.

It was reported that a section of the market was razed by fire around 1:00am on Tuesday where valuable property and personal belongings of the occupants of the affected shops were lost in the incidence.

Addressing journalists shortly after the inspection and assessment of the level of damage caused to the incidence, Governor Oyetola expressed deep grief just as he thanked God that no life was lost to the incidence.

Governor Oyetola who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji along side his Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola, and cabinet members, described the incidence as unfortunate.

“Mr Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola is not around now but he has requested that a powerful delegation must come to commiserate with the affected market men and women, most importantly the Iyaloja and Babaloja of this market and that is why we are here.

“Mr Governor sympathises with the victims and prays that an incidence of such will not reoccur.

“As you all know, our Governor is always concerned about the welfare and comfort of the citizens and as soon as he comes back, he will make a statement.

“So, on behalf of himself and the good people of Osun we commiserate with the victims and entire members of the market community”, he added.

Speaking, one of the occupants of the affected shops, Mrs. Kudirat Ganiyu Sande, said they couldn’t trace the source of the fire to anything as theyvall suddenly saw the fire when it started.

She narrated that the fire incidence started around 1:00am on Tuesday and lasted two hours before it was eventually quenched by fire fighters.

Mrs Sande, however, appealed to the government to come to their aid as they couldn’t give exact assessment of the worth of the valuables lost to the fire incidence at the moment.

Also, Iyaloja of the market, Mrs. Wosilatu Kasali, expressed deep sorrow over the incidence just as she appealed to the government and well-meaning citizens to support the victims and the market community.

Meanwhile, the members of the Governor’s delegation after the assessment of the site moved to the Ataoja’s palace to identify and commiserate with the monarch, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.

At the palace, Oba Olanipekun appreciated Governor Oyetola and his government for taking the welfare and general well-being of the people of the state as priority.

He further lauded the Governor for the show of concern over the recent fire incidences in Osogbo, saying the move was indeed a reflection of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the ancient town.

The monarch however called on his subjects to take precautions as the dry season is fast approaching saying this would further help to prevent such ugly incidence in the future.

In their separate remarks, member of Osun House of Assembly representing Osogbo State Constituency, Hon. Taofeek Gbadamosi Abolubode and Board Chairman, Osun Health Insurance Agency, Hon. Adeoye Adelakun and Osun Iyaloja-General, Mrs. Awawu Asindemade; expressed grief over the incidence just as they prayed God to grant the victims all to restore their losses.

The trio further appealed to the residents of the State particularly Osogbo to be more careful at the moment, and inculcate the habit of proper maintenance of their electrical appliances and anything capable of causing fire outbreak.

Some of those on the Governor’s powerful delegation include; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola; Former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye; Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs, Funke Egbemode; Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Engr Olalekan Badmus; Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu; Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Sola Oladepo.

Others are: Field Commander, Amotekun, Comrade Amitolu Shittu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Evangelist Rasak Adeosun; Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mrs Abiodun Ige; Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Mumini Adekunle; Special Adviser to the Governor on General Administration, Mr. Niyi Idowu, State Coordinator, NADAL, Mr. Kazeem Yusuf, Local Government Chairmen, APC leaders and loyalists, among others.