In a recent development, eight out of the 12 market clusters in Oyo State have come together to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the position of Iyaloja-General in the state.
In an open letter dated November 20, 2023, and addressed to Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, 10 of the market leaders expressed their support for Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as the rightful Iyaloja-General.
The media in the state has been closely following the dispute between Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje and Princess Folashade Abeo in determining who should hold the position.
Like other press statements and documentary evidence circulating in the state, the market leaders’ letter urged Governor Makinde to promptly ratify the nomination and election of Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as Iyaloja-General.
Titled ‘Appeal for Prompt Ratification of Nomination of Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as Iyaloja-General of Oyo State,’ the letter was signed by various leaders of the Oyo State Market Leaders’ Council, including President Alhaji Dauda Abiodun Oladepo, Vice President Mogaji Salaudeen Qarmardeen,Second Vice President Chief Mrs. Stella Olabode, Financial Secretary Chief Mrs. Labake Lawal, and Public Relations Officer Alhaji Yisau Kolayode Hamzat.
Also signing the letter were Ex-Officios Alhaja Hamdalat Iyadunni Lawal and Alhaji Azeez Amole Najimdeen, alongside three other members: Chief Mrs. Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, Alhaji Malik Adebayo Babasale, and Alhaja Fausat Adebiyi. However, Treasurer Chief Mrs. Juliana Titilayo Raimi and member Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh did not sign the document.
All the market leaders mentioned in the letter disowned Princess Folashade Abeo, who claims to hold the title.
According to the letter, the delay in ratifying the appointment of Iyaloja-General has caused a crisis in the state that could potentially escalate into chaos, media conflicts, and civil unrest.
The market leaders emphasized that the informal sector in the state contributes more than 60% to the economy, and any disruption in this sector would have severe consequences for the state.
They reminded Governor Makinde that the Market Leaders’ Council, approved by him in March 2022, has been working diligently to contribute to the state’s development and economic growth. As part of their efforts, they nominated Alhaja Saratu Adunni Konibaje as Iyaloja-General.
During a Council meeting on April 6th, 2022, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje and Alhaja (Princess) Azeezat Folashade Nurudeen were nominated for the position, and an election was held.
Alhaja Aduke Konibaje received seven votes, while Alhaja (Princess) Azeezat Folashade Nurudeen received two votes, clearly indicating Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as the winner. However, to the market leaders’ surprise, the Ministry of Trade claimed to have forwarded the election results to the Governor for ratification, but no action has been taken.
In light of these circumstances, the market leaders appealed to Governor Makinde to promptly ratify the nomination of Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as Iyaloja-General of Oyo State.
They believe this step will not only alleviate tensions in the state but will also expedite the economic development of the region.