Councils’ Chairmen and Traditional Rulers Agree On New Hours Of Operations at Cattle Sellers’ Markets In Kwaran Communities
A joint closed door meeting of seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara state and prominent traditional rulers across the councils yesterday announced a new operational hours for the ‘Kaara’ (cattle) markets in the areas.
The meeting under the aegis of Forum of Kwara South Local Government Chairmen and the platform of Kwara South traditional rulers, resolved that the initial “total closure” of the markets as announced by the Councils’ Chairmen three days ago be revoked but be restricted to between 6:00am and 6:00pm daily.
Before the review, the markets’ operations covered a period of 4:00am and 3:00 am.
Recall that following the renewed banditry across the Seven councils, leading to the sacking of some communities, the Chairmen had issued the order of the closure of the markets.
The development sparked off spontaneous reactions from the Cattle traders association in the concerned areas calling for a review of the order, citing economic losses.
Besides, the traditional rulers through Oba Ismail Yahaya Muhammad Atoloye Alebiosu Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, issued a counter order, calling for the continuous activities at the markets.
Sources said that the traditional rulers cited the alleged non-consultation by the Chairmen before announcing the closure of the markets.
One of the Chairmen under condition of anonymity said the plan was for security enforcement agents to be able to effectively comb the markets serving as alleged arsenals for the bandits.
A statement, jointly issued at the end of the meeting held at the Place of Olupo of Ajase-Ipo and signed by HRM Oba Ismail Yahaya Muhammad Atoloye Alebiosu, the Olupo for Kwara South traditional rulersand Hon.Benjamin Lanre Jolayemi
the Executive Chairman of Isin Local Government, for the Forum of Kwara South Local Government Chairmen reached the following resolutions that:
- the Seven (7) Chairmen of the Kwara South Local Governments hereby review the closure ban imposed on all ‘Kaara’ markets in Kwara South,
- the Seven (7) Chairmen of Local Governments in Kwara South and the Traditional Rulers in Kwara South unanimously agreed that all the markets in Kwara South shall henceforth operate between the hours of 6am – 6pm every market day and
- the Seven (7) Local Government Chairmen of Kwara South and the Traditional Rulers in Kwara South shall immediately hold a meeting with the leadership of the cattle merchants in Kwara South.
The closed-door meeting lasted for over five (5) hours. In attendance at the meeting were: the Executive Chairmen of Ifelodun; Irepodun; Isin; Ekiti and Oke-Ero; Councils, while that of Offa and Oyun joined their colleagues online.
Also in attendance were HRM Olupo of Ajase-Ipo; HRM Olosi of Osi; HRM Olupako of Share; HRM Alofa of Ilofa; HRM Olusin of Isanlu-Isin; and HRM Elerin of Erin-Ile (ably represented by HRM Onira of Ira).
The meeting commended the proactive leadership of the State Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq and the supports of all other stakeholders at ensuring an end to the banditry in the areas.
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