Chairmen of the seven local governments in Kwara South District and their traditional rulers have jointly approved new operating hours for Kara and other markets.
The agreement followed a high-level meeting at the palace of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye Muhammed after a disagreement on the operation of Kara markets across the district.
The closed-door session, which lasted over five hours, reviewed the earlier ban on Kara markets and agreed on new regulations after an initial disagreement on the temporary closure of Kara markets in the area.
Credible News reports that the council chairmen, ostensibly worried that Kara markets, originally established as transit points for sale of cattle by itinerant Fulani herdsmen, may have been infiltrated by bandits and kidnappers.
Leaders unanimously resolved that all markets in Kwara South shall henceforth operate strictly between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on market days.
Another resolution reached was that local government chairmen and traditional rulers will immediately engage with the leadership of cattle merchants across the district to enhance cooperation and address lingering security concerns.
In attendance were the executive chairmen of Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti, and Oke-Ero, while those of Offa and Oyun joined virtually.
Traditional rulers present included the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, the Olosi of Osi, the Olupako of Share, the Alofa of Ilofa, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, and the Elerin of Erin-Ile, represented by the Onira of Ira.
The leaders commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his proactive leadership and pledged to support ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety.
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The communiqué was jointly signed by the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo on behalf of Kwara South traditional rulers, and Hon. Benjamin Lanre Jolayemi, Executive Chairman of Isin Local Government, for the Forum of Local Government Chairmen.
The decision marks a turning point in a dispute that erupted after the seven chairmen ordered the closure of all Kara markets in Kwara South. They had argued that the step was necessary to forestall security breaches, citing ongoing military operations against invading criminal gangs.
The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo had strongly opposed the move, insisting that Kara Market was a vital hub of commerce and must remain open even as he described the blanket closure as reckless and a breach of protocol, stressing that traditional institutions must be consulted in governance decisions.
The Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union backed the monarch, aligning with his call for peace, vigilance, and community-driven security measures.
But the Kwara South Development Group, KSDG, cautioned the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo over his stance on the continued operation of Kara Market in the town.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Barr. Tejumola Abodunrin, the group expressed respect for traditional rulers as custodians of peace and culture but stressed that leadership demands placing lives and public safety above temporary economic gain.
The group noted that the suspension of Kara markets across Kwara South by constituted authorities was informed by rising security concerns, including fears of kidnapping and criminal infiltration.
KSDG warned that disregarding such directives could set “a dangerous and unacceptable precedent” that undermines governance and exposes residents to avoidable risks.
“History will not be kind to anyone who chooses temporary economic gain over lasting peace,” the statement read, emphasizing that the legacies of great leaders rest on sacrifices made to safeguard their people, not resistance to lawful Kwara group cautions Olupo on Kara market.
With the latest agreement, both sides have now found common ground, balancing security concerns with economic needs by introducing uniform market hours.
Crediblenewsng.com
