Ijebu Igbo Butchers’ Association Crisis: Stakeholders Meet in Orimolusi Palace, Advise for New Constitution and Call for Peace and Six-Month Extension Stands
Ayo Marvel 
Stakeholders involved in the ongoing leadership crisis within the Ijebu-Igbo Butchers Association have met to find a peaceful solution to the disagreement and prevent further tension in the community.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Butchers Association, traditional stakeholders, government representatives, security personnel and other concerned individuals.
Among those present are the Olokine of Ojowo, Keegbo of Atikori, Ijebu-Igbo Area Commander, ACP Bukoye Oye, the DSS leadership, Senator Gbenga Kaka, INLG SLG, Mayegun of Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu-Igbo Chiefs, CSO Orimolusi, the Babaloja of Ijebu-Igbo, the Chairman of the Ijebu-Igbo Butchers Association, Alhaji Abeshin Musa, as well as other prominent members of the association.
Speaking at the meeting, stakeholders stressed that Ijebu-Igbo is bigger than individual interests and that nobody should be above the law. They called on all parties to respect the position of the local government and work together in the interest of peace.
Both parties in the association presented their sides of the story and shared their perspectives on the ongoing leadership crisis.
One of the major points raised at the meeting was the need for both sides to put their differences aside and use the next six months to resolve the leadership disagreement and establish a peaceful transition.
Stakeholders also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the operation of the abattoir. It was emphasised that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands or act in a way that could cause further crisis.
The Area Commander, ACP Bukoye Oye while addressing the gathering, reportedly stated that regardless of what had happened, no party had the right to take unilateral action to shut down the abattoir. He appealed to all sides to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of peace.
He further warned that if the parties failed to resolve their differences and the situation resulted in trouble, the appropriate authorities could be invited to intervene, including taking necessary measures to protect public order.
Another major issue raised was the absence of a properly established and recognised constitution guiding the association. Stakeholders noted that a constitution must be properly agreed upon, signed and endorsed before it can effectively serve as the guiding document of the association.
The meeting also stressed the importance of cooperation and unity among members.
A stakeholder at the meeting said the only lasting solution to the crisis was for both sides to cooperate, work together and allow peace to reign.
He urged the parties not to undermine one another and appealed to them to put the interest of Ijebu-Igbo above personal interests.
The chairman of the Butchers Association was also urged to find a way to bring the different parties closer together and work towards resolving the dispute.
The meeting further emphasised that the elders and relevant traditional authorities should be respected in the process of finding a lasting solution.
One of the speakers also appealed to the parties to listen to the advice of the elders and allow peace to return to the abattoir and the wider community.
The stakeholders agreed that continued disagreement could negatively affect the peace and economic activities of Ijebu-Igbo, stressing that dialogue remained the best way forward.
The meeting ended with a renewed call for unity, cooperation, respect for constituted authorities and peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis.
The development comes amid an ongoing dispute over the leadership of the Ijebu-Igbo Butchers Association.
The Ijebu North Local Government had earlier announced a six-month extension of the existing executive arrangement as an interim measure to allow stakeholders work towards a peaceful and inclusive resolution.
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Ademola Busayo 
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
