Ijebu North LG Defends Ijebu Igbo Butchers Association Leadership Extension, Warns Against Actions Capable of Triggering Crisis
Ayo Marvel 
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IJEBU-IGBO, Ogun State — The Ijebu North Local Government has defended its decision to extend the tenure of the current leadership of the Ijebu-Igbo Butchers Association by six months, saying the move was aimed at preventing a possible security crisis and creating room for a peaceful and inclusive transition.
The Local Government made its position known in a press release titled “INLG Abattoir Leadership Crisis: Setting the Record Straight,” following reports and publications linking the Executive Chairman of the Local Government to the ongoing leadership disagreement within the Ijebu-Igbo Abattoir Association.
According to the statement, the Ijebu North Butchers Association is a legally licensed association that has operated in the Local Government for more than 50 years. The government also stated that the group identified as Agbagba Egbe Alapata Ijebu-Igbo is not recognised by the Local Government as the licensed association responsible for the abattoir’s activities.
The Local Government explained that the recognised association’s leadership is responsible for coordinating activities at the abattoir, uniting its members, collecting tickets and maintaining law and order among its members.
It further stated that the association’s leadership is expected to engage directly with the Local Government and report on its activities, noting that the government has overseen the affairs of the association for several decades.
The statement stressed that the Local Government does not impose individuals or groups on the association.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the leadership transition, the government said it had engaged relevant stakeholders after becoming concerned about the possibility of a crisis.
According to the statement, stakeholders agreed that the existing leadership should remain in office temporarily in order to reduce tension at the abattoir, slaughter slab and market, while allowing sufficient time for a more thorough, peaceful and inclusive transition process.
The government described the proposed three-day transition arrangement as inadequate, particularly given what it described as the heightened tension surrounding the matter.
It consequently justified the six-month extension of the current executive as a measure intended to maintain peace and stability while preparations are made for a smooth leadership transition.
The Local Government also expressed concern over what it described as sponsored social media posts and publications allegedly targeting the personality of the Executive Chairman.
It warned that it would not allow any individual or group to cause violence, disorder or a breakdown of law and order within the association, abattoir, market or the wider community.
The statement further described some of the public notices and publications surrounding the dispute as potential acts of instigation against public peace and unity, as well as a challenge to constituted authority.
The Local Government said security agencies had been placed on alert and would respond to any actions capable of plunging the association or the Local Government into chaos.
Despite the warning, the government urged all members of the Butchers Association to remain peaceful, maintain unity and continue with their normal business activities.
The statement was signed by the Information Desk, Ijebu North Local Government.
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