Iyaloja-General: Princess Abeo Hails Makinde, Says Appointment is Fulfilment of Promise

The Oyo State Government has presented appointment letters to Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen and Alhaji Y.K. Abass as Iyaloja-General and Babaloja-General of the state, respectively.

The state government also confirmed the appointments of two other prominent market leaders, S.T. Jimoh as Aare Oloja of Oyo State and J.T. Raimi as Asiwaju Oloja of Oyo State.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the appointments on Friday, stating that the decisions were conveyed in a document from the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Demola Ojo.

According to Oyelade, the appointments recognise the contributions of the four market leaders to trade and commerce, particularly their roles in coordinating trading committees across the state’s 33 local government areas.

He explained that the appointments were intended to promote unity, cooperation and harmony among trade associations, strengthen the commercial sector and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

The commissioner described the appointees as experienced merchants with international reputations and considerable influence within the state’s trading community.

He expressed confidence that their leadership experience and commitment to the development of commerce would provide positive examples for other stakeholders in the sector.

Oyelade urged traders across the state to cooperate with the newly appointed leaders, stressing that collective efforts would promote commercial growth and contribute to the overall development of Oyo State’s economy.

He added that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remained committed to effective coordination and management across sectors, as well as initiatives capable of improving the state’s economic fortunes.

Presenting the official appointment letters in his office, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, charged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by the government and market stakeholders.

He urged them to discharge their responsibilities diligently and work towards strengthening the organisation and administration of markets across the state.

Princess Abeo’s appointment comes against the backdrop of an earlier installation as Iyaloja-General by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, in April 2021.

The installation and coronation ceremony took place at the Alaafin’s palace on April 26, 2021, following a nomination process initiated by the Oyo State Market Leaders Joint Working Committee.

The committee had, in a letter dated March 14, 2021, informed the monarch that eight of its 12 affiliated cluster groups, representing artisans, technicians and traders, had endorsed Princess Abeo for the position.

The late Alaafin, while performing the installation, reportedly congratulated her on the confidence and support of the market leaders, following consultations and deliberations among the groups.

However, the position later became controversial after another market leader, Alhaja Saratu Aduke, also laid claim to the office.

The dispute prompted Governor Makinde to issue a directive asking the parties involved to stop parading themselves as Iyaloja-General of Oyo State.

Speaking after her confirmation, Princess Abeo expressed gratitude to Makinde, describing the decision as the fulfilment of a promise to market people across the state.

She said the appointment represented a significant opportunity for her and the wider market community, adding that she and other market leaders were prepared to embrace the responsibilities associated with the office.

Princess Abeo also noted that market administration in Oyo State had evolved, with markets now operating under the authority of the state government rather than traditional authorities at the local level.

She pledged to operate in accordance with the state’s rules and regulations and called on market women, artisans and traders to support the Makinde administration in recognition of its efforts towards the market community.