The convergence of people of different races, culture, tribes in a place usually occurs as a result of numerous reasons known to them consciously or unconsciously. It is an established fact that human beings are in the race of solving various socio-economic and political issues that come on their ways in the course of satisfying varied wants, for them to live a meaningful life. In the process of solving these issues, there is always a room to find a place, which might be a market, school, home, and shopping mall. However, the kind of discussion or view that will emanate from an identified confluence setting will depend on the categories of people that converged in such place. Sasa is one of the ‘confluence’ communities in Nigeria in which the three major tribes-Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo descendants live. A recent visit to the community revealed that these tribes usually exchange ideas germane to their peaceful coexistence, most especially in the areas of social and economic activities. These specifically take place in the main market of the community, public and private schools, homes and shops located in the community.
One of the unique features of Sasa community is its arch-gates that welcomes visitor. The gates are situated at the point of entering and at the middle before crossing over to the central market, where the trio tribes sell and buy various commodities for both domestic and industrial usage. Sasa like other small communities in Ibadan, the city of red roofs in Nigeria, has shops located along the main and inner roads. These shops give residents the opportunity of offering and buying some commodities on small scale basis, especially for the prospective buyers who considered the far distance of the main market from their residential places. North-gate and Alfonso remain two popular places in the community. North-gate is derived from a hotel located in the serene part of the community along the main road, the road which also housed the major filing station, Unique Larry-Jo, while Alfonso was carved from the workplace of the truck mechanics situated in the community. The community is not left out in housing religious centres of the two major religions practiced by the people. Al-Haramin Central Mosque and First Baptist Church are the two worshipping centres for the followers of Islam and Christianity respectively. It should be noted that there are other small worshipping places for the adherent of the two reli
gions in the community, where they observe daily religious rites. These centres are situated in the specific interior routes within the community.
The presence of the three major tribes makes the community a melting pot within the city of red roofs. Investigation revealed that the three tribes have imbibed the culture and traditions of one another. This was as a result of interpersonal relationships and the need to build and maintain social capital between each other. A keen observation will spur a first time visitor to the community to conclude that, indeed Sasa remains a community with a difference, considering their peaceful coexistence despite various challenges experienced by a tribe living or doing business in another location different from his or her. It would not be outrageous to say that Ibadan is housing people of different races in line with her generational nomenclature, Ibadan Parapo; the name which was arrived at following the invasion of the city by Egba during the historical internecine between the city and Abeokuta.
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