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.
