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Oyo Market Group Warns Abeo Against Misleading Title, Affirms Saratu Konibaje as Iyaloja-General
A prominent figure in the market, Chief Gbadeyanka Alimi, and a coalition of young leaders representing various markets across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State have jointly issued a stern warning to Alhaja Folashade Abeo, urging her to cease identifying herself as the Iyaloja-General of the State.
During a dedicated press conference held in Ibadan, this collective reminded the public that all Iyalojas from the 33 local governments had officially endorsed Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as the rightful Iyaloja-General of the State.
Chief Alimi also underscored that Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje secured seven votes out of the 12 market groups and leaders in the State, while Abeo garnered just two votes in a highly competitive election involving branch Iyalojas.
Alimi strongly rebuffed recent media reports that suggested a majority of market leaders supported Abeo, dismissing these claims as groundless, diversionary, and deceitful attempts to mislead the State Government.
Alimi emphasised, “The process of appointing or electing the Babaloja-General and Iyaloja-General of Oyo State has long been concluded, following the same procedure that led to the appointment of Alhaji YK Abass as the Babaloja-General of the State over Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh. YK Abass received the official certificate from the State Government”.
He clarified that both Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje and Alhaja Folashade Abeo underwent identical processes. Aduke Konibaje emerged victoriously with seven votes, receiving overwhelming recognition from stakeholders across the 33 local governments.
Alimi highlighted that it is unconstitutional and illegal for the late Alaafin or any traditional ruler to appoint the Iyaloja. Instead, the traders themselves select and elect their preferred candidate, which, in this instance, is Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje.
He also revealed that under the previous administration of late Abiola Ajimobi, there were eight market clusters, but the current administration of Engr. Seyi Makinde expanded them to 12. Elections were held among these clusters, with Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje securing seven votes, compared to Abeo’s two votes.
The spokesperson of the market youth group, Comrade Gbenga Ajibade, urged journalists to exercise caution when disseminating news that might mislead the public or stir unnecessary sentiments in favor of Folashade Abeo.
Ajibade emphasized, -Enough is enough,’ and called on religious and traditional leaders to abstain from interfering in the matter of the Iyaloja-General. He implored them not to misinform the State Government regarding the choice of market women across the 33 local governments.
“Our mothers from the 33 local governments and the 12 clusters have made their voices heard, electing Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as the new Iyaloja-General of the State. The State Governor should instruct his Commissioner for Trades and Investment to fulfill the necessary procedures and hand over the certificate to her”.
He also pointed out that Chief Bayo Lawal, who now serves as Governor Makinde’s Executive Assistant, held the position of Commissioner for Trades when Alhaja Saratu Konibaje was elected and endorsed by all Iyalojas in the State. Ajibade questioned why anyone would seek to disrupt the process and unsettle the peace in the markets due to an individual’s ambitious aspirations.
Ajibade, however, asserted that Alhaja Folashade Abeo lacks popularity among market leaders and, more importantly, the Iyalojas across the 33 local governments and the 12 clusters.
He urged her to wait for her time and allow Alhaja Saratu Konibaje to enjoy her well-deserved peace as the Iyaloja-General of the State.
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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