The five-man judicial commission of enquiry set-up by the State Government of Osun to look into the ethnic clash that erupted between Yoruba and Hausa indigenes in Ile-Ife on March 8 has commenced work with the visitation to the incident scene and called for affidavit from victims and eyewitnesses.
Members of the commission, who visited the clash scene on Thursday, assured parties involved in the crisis of neutrality.
During the visit, members of the commission did a sigth-seeing of some affected buildings and addressed leaders of both the Yoruba and Hausa indigenes.
Addressing the Ooni of Ife, chairman of the commission, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, explained that all parties would be given fair-hearing.
He assured the monarch that members of the commission would not trade their integrity for anything.
He said the commission was out to ensure that the real perpetrators of the dastardly act were brought to book and ensure that all waring factions were appeased.
“We are here to inform you of our mission. We are men of integrity and we assure you that we will be totally neutral in our duty. We will do our job without fear or favour to anyone or group in the matter. We hope to have your support,” he added.
Reacting, the Ooni pledged his support and that of his Chiefs in ensuring that the members of the commission actualise their mission.
He admonished them to avoid bias, stating that they should be honest in their investigation.
He informed members of the commission that many Yoruba leaders were interested in the outcome of their investigation.
While narrating how his trip to the United Kingdom fostered peaceful co-existence, he said, “I consulted with my people government and Commissioner of Police before travelling few days after the incident happened. My trip to the UK was for very important reasons and I met many northern leaders who helped to speak to their people.
“I am pleased to receive you all; I am fully with you. As you have said, please be neutral so that you can get to the bottom of what triggered the unfortunate incident. Because it happened at the epicentre of the Yoruba race, a lot of people are interested in tbe outcome of your mission. I have received many phone calls from different part of the world as regards this and I pray such doesn’t occur in any part of the country again.”
Recall that Osun State Government had set up the commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate cause of the disturbance, identify the perpetrators and extent of involvement, determine the extent of injury sufferd by any individual or group.
They are also mandated to recommend appropriate civil or criminal action to be taken against the perpetrators, make appropriate suggestions to the State Government towards the prevention of future occurrence.
They are also to recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damages or injuries that may have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals in respect of matters received by it.
Members of the commission who have been given four weeks to work are: Justice Adeigbe who is the chairman, Mrs. Bose Dawodu DCP (rtd), Barrister Ismail Ajibade, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS and Mr. Bisi Babalola who will act as the secretary.
