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Makinde’s aide, Danjuma fingered in fresh controversy over Oyo market leadership
Barely two weeks after traders in Oyo State lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for amicably resolving the crisis rocking the leadership of markets in the State, an Adviser on Market Liaison to the governor, Mrs Odunayo Danjuma has been allegedly fingered in a fresh controversy over the authentic Babaloja and Iyaloja in the State.
It would be recalled that Governor Makinde was a few days ago hailed for ensuring peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis among the traders.
Both Alhaji Yinusa Abass (YK Abass) and Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje were thereafter officially recognized Babaloja-General and Iyaloja-General respectively.
However, this week, at a function held at the House of Chiefs, State Secretariat, Ibadan, Danjuma was severally quoted as recognising both Alhaji S.A. Jimoh and Princess Folashade Abeo as Babaloja and Iyaloja of the State, in contravention of the recent agreement reached among the stakeholders in the State.
A press statement signed by Alhaji Gbadebowale Aruna on Friday in Ibadan said, ‘This Governor Seyi Makinde’s Adviser on Trade matters, Mrs Odunayo Danjuma is overreaching herself and going against his boss’s decision on the leaders of market men and women in the State.’
Aruna added, ‘Danjuma, three days ago, recognised SA Jimoh and Folashade Abeo as Babaloja and Iyaloja of the State. This is utterly against the Governor’s recent decision recognising Alhaji YK Abass and Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as Babaloja-General and Iyaloja-General of the State respectively.
‘The Governor, had based on the court’s decision, constituted stakeholders to look into the matter which has festered for too long and at the end of the rigorous review and several meetings, both YK Abass and Saratu Konibaje were returned as authentic Babaloja and Iyaloja for the State.
‘It is now crystal clear that that decision didn’t go down well with a supposed Governor’s Adviser, Danjuma who is now in cahoot with another Commissioner in the Governor’s cabinet, Chief Bayo Lawal saying ‘we no go gree with Governor Makinde’s decision and position?’
‘The question is: Is Danjuma more powerful than the Commissioner and the Governor combined? In particular, is an Adviser powerful than the Governor who appointed her?
‘Is this a sign of weakness on the part of the Governor or indifference to what could draw back the hands of progress of this administration in matters that have to do with the peace in our markets?
‘Is Danjuma now dictating to the Governor on what he should do or not do? This volte-face coming about two weeks after the Governor resolved the crisis in the markets is nothing but a calculated attempt to set the traders against the Governor, and Engr Seyi Makinde must watch this banana peel.
‘Danjuma saying the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III appointed Princess Abeo was the height of hypocrisy which the Governor must guide against as efforts are on now, to make the Oyomesis (Alaafin’s chiefs and kingmakers) to portray Governor in bad light,’ Aruna warned further.
It would be recalled that a few months ago, traders in the State frowned on the way the state Commissioner for Trader and Investments, Chief Bayo Lawal has been persistently misinforming and misleading Governor Seyi Makinde for his personal and selfish interest.
Speaking at the press conference organised in Ibadan, the state capital by the zonal leaders who represented the Congress of Babalojas and Iyalojas in Oyo State, Chief Layi Olawoyin described Lawal’s action on the crisis rocking traders’ body in the state as a planned conspiracy to set the governor against his admirers and present him as ingrate to the source he leveraged in to become the governor in 2019.
According to Olawoyin, “We have exhausted available patience and exploited all possible avenues to avoid making utterances that can set our people against Governor Makinde, his administration and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), unfortunately, Lawal’s desperate and very unrepentant towards turning our people against the governor.
‘It is equally unfortunate that traders in the state have not positively felt the impact of Chief (Mrs) Odunayo Danjuma, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Market Liaison, who is known to be a well-experienced Comrade and leader of the National Association of Nigeria Traders in the Southwest and believed to have the capacity to guide and advise the Governor on the right path but chose otherwise.’
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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