Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has described as despicable the crisis that engulfed Shasha market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The clash, said to be between Yoruba and Hausa persons in the area, reportedly claimed two lives and led to the destruction of property.
Yorubas in and around the market have been accused of targeting Hausas in the area.
Condemning the crisis in a statement, Akeredolu, who is the chairman of South West Governors Forum, said the violence is against Yoruba values.
He called on both parties to resist taking the law into their own hands, asking Yorubas to uphold the value of hospitality which they are known for.
“We note with deep concern, the most unfortunate and avoidable orgy of violence in Shasha, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital….it becomes very compelling for me to address ALL RESIDENTS, in particular, the Yoruba speaking people of our dear Region as regards recent happenings bordering on security.
“Without doubt, the situation we have found ourselves as a people is most despicable and contends violently against, and abhorrently at variance with the values and hospitality for which our people are known.
“We have been known for thoroughness. We have identified with legality over the centuries; and our ethos as a civilised breed of people are such that we do not identify with lawlessness, not even illegality.
“In this regard, we urge all indigenes of the South West to sustain these values and enviable virtues by remaining law-abiding. Our resolve in this direction is not a sign of weakness; it is indeed, the strongest of all.
“In particular, while I understand the height of provocation in the light of recent happenings as regards Shasha, Ibadan, I, alongside my other brother Governors in the Region are against willful appropriation of Laws unto hands. We do not support violence and in particular, brigandage, jungle justice and unnecessary self-help,” Akeredolu said.
