Stakeholders in Ibadanland have criticized Folashade Abeo, the self-proclaimed Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, for her derogatory comments about Ibadan.
They emphasize that the position of Iyaloja-General should be based on due process and not on the individual’s place of origin.
The stakeholders, including Chiefs, Baales, and prominent figures from Ibadan, have urged the Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to endorse the election of Alhaja Saratu Konibaje as the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State.
They also call on the people of the state to restrain Folashade Abeo and state that her alleged remarks and actions against the majority decision of the marketers who voted for Konibaje will not succeed.
Folashade Abeo had previously stated, “Oyo state belongs to all zones in the state, so, it would be fair, just, and equitable if another zone is allowed to produce the state’s Iyaloja general, given that the Oyo state government has formally recognized Mr. Y.K. Abass as the Babaloja General, who is from Ibadan.”
In response, the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative emphasize that the position of Iyaloja-General is determined by due process, not by the hometown of the individual.
They find it concerning that only two blocks supporting Abeo are disregarding the votes of seven blocks who chose Konibaje as the Iyaloja-General.
The stakeholders believe that Abeo’s desperation is evidence that she is unfit for the position and has nothing to offer the market traders across the state.
Konibaje, who previously served as the Otun (second in command) Iyaloja-General of Oyo State when Mama KolaDaisi held the position, followed due process and received endorsements from seven out of the nine blocks representing market traders across the state.
The stakeholders call for the government to confirm Konibaje as the Iyaloja-General, representing the consensus of Ibadanland and the people of Oyo State.
Meanwhile, Prince Adetunji Fabode, the publisher of naijatodaynews.com, a reputable online news platform in Oyo State, has challenged Princess Folasade Abeo, the self-proclaimed Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, to provide evidence of her allegations of a 1.2 million naira fraud against him. Fabode warns that if Abeo fails to provide evidence within 48 hours, she will face legal consequences.
Fabode emphasizes that the media’s role is to report verifiable, timely, and unbiased news to inform the public accurately. He accuses Abeo of seeking relevance through dubious means and lacking a track record of truth.