Osun: Oyetola Calms Victims, As Fire Razes Osogbo Market

By Ayodele Oni

A delegation of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun state on Wednesday visited and commiserated with the victims of the fire incidence of Oja-Oba market that occured in the early hours of Tuesday, in Osogbo.

Oyetola, who sent in his words advised  the citizens to prioritize personal and collective safety as part of efforts to forestall possible disasters as dry season is approaching.

Governor Oyetola’s delegation, led by secretary to state government, Wole Oyebamiji, made on-the-spot assessment of the site of the inferno at popular Oja-Oba market, Osogbo, the state capital.

A section of the market was razed by fire around 1:00am on Tuesday where valuable properties and personal belongings of the occupants of the affected shops were lost in the incidence.

Addressing journalists shortly after the inspection and assessment of the level of damage caused to the incidence, Governor Oyetola expressed deep grief just as he thanked God that no life was lost to the incidence.

Oyebamiji was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola, and other cabinet members.

Addressing some of the victims on behalf of the Governor, Oyebamiji said “Mr Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola is not around now, but he has requested that a powerful delegation must come to commiserate with the affected market men and women, most importantly the Iyaloja and Babaloja of this market and that is why we are here.

“Mr Governor sympathizes with the victims and prays that an incidence of such will not reoccur.

“As you all know, our Governor is always concerned about the welfare and comfort of the citizens and as soon as he comes back, he will make a statement.

“So, on behalf of himself and the good people of Osun we commiserate with the victims and entire members of the market community”.

One of the occupants of the affected shops, Mrs. Kudirat Sande, said the source of the fire could not be traced as it suddenly started from a section of the market.

She narrated that the fire incidence started around 1:00am on Tuesday and lasted two hours before it was eventually quenched by fire fighters.

Mrs Sande, however, appealed to the government to come to the aid of victims as they couldn’t give exact assessment of the worth of the valuables lost to the fire incidence at the moment.

Also, Iyaloja of the market, Mrs. Wosilatu Kasali, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, just as she appealed to the government and well-meaning citizens to support the victims and the market community.

Members of the Governor’s delegation after the assessment of the site moved to the Ataoja’s palace to identify and commiserate with the monarch, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.

At the palace, Oba Olanipekun appreciated Governor Oyetola and his government for taking the welfare and general well-being of the people of the state as priority.

He further lauded the Governor for the show of concern over the recent fire incidents in Osogbo, saying the move was indeed a reflection of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the ancient town.

The monarch however called on his subjects to take precautions as the dry season is fast approaching saying this would further help to prevent such ugly incidence in the future.