The Yoruba Council Worldwide has called for peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups in Lagos State.

Specifically, the council encouraged traders at the Ikeja Computer Market in Lagos to continue to live in harmonious relationships towards endearing peace in the state.

The President of YCW, Oladotun Hassan, made the appeal while addressing journalists at the palace of Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Wednesday.

He said that any action that could lead to ethnic bigotry and war of attrition should be avoided among the Yoruba and Igbo traders in Lagos.

Mr Hassan said that the Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, as the head markets in Lagos State, should be accorded the deserved respect.

He noted that Iyalojas were the traditional heads of the markets, installed by traditional rulers with statutory rights and responsibilities to administer all markets.

Mr Hassan expressed disappointment in the recent allegation against some group attempting to alter the market hierarchy of authorities through misrepresentation, misinformation 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.’’

Mr Hassan advised that any imposition of levies on traders without the approval of the Iyaloja-General should stop.

He, however, called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged disturbance of the market authorities by some group of people in the state.

Also speaking, the Iyaloja General of Ile-Oodua, Falilat Lawal, urged all ethnic groups in Lagos, to continue to live in peace and support the Iyaloja-General of Lagos.

Meanwhile, the first Yoruba Obas Summit being organised by YCW has been scheduled for November 7 at the “Monarch’s Hall” of Obafemi Elegushi Royal Palace, Ikate, Lekki , Eti-Osa, Lagos.

Mr Hassan said that Yoruba monarchs were expected at the summit, where issues of national development, security, youth and women empowerment would be addressed.

(NAN)