The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has called for peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups in Lagos State, particularly urging traders in the Ikeja Computer Village to maintain harmonious relationships. The council made this appeal to promote peace and stability in the state’s markets.
Speaking to journalists at the palace of the Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife, Osun State, YCW President Oladotun Hassan stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could lead to ethnic tensions, especially between Yoruba and Igbo traders.
He highlighted that the Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, holds the rightful authority to oversee markets in Lagos and should be respected accordingly.
Mr. Hassan explained that Iyalojas are traditional heads of markets appointed by traditional rulers and have specific rights and responsibilities in market administration.
He expressed concern over recent attempts by some groups to undermine this established market hierarchy through misrepresentation and intimidation.
He said, “People must understand that the sustainable development of the market is for the collective good of the traders and the stakeholders, and this can be done when there is peace, harmony, tranquillity and prosperity with all the tribes. On no account should anyone halt or stop the age-long traditional practices attached to the official duties of Iyaloja of Lagos State and Nigeria under the authority of Oba Rilwanu Akiolu. We will not allow anyone to tarnish or ridicule the Iyaloja stool either in Ikeja Computer Village market or any other part of markets in Lagos.’’
