Iyaloja-General Visits Sunmonu, Pledges Unity Among Oyo Traders

Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen, the newly confirmed Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, has paid a courtesy visit to former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu, at her country home in Oyo town.

The visit was to appreciate Sunmonu for her support and contributions to her emergence.

The visit, which was part of activities marking her confirmation, brought together prominent market leaders, traders, artisans and political stakeholders, including the Iyalaje Olounje of Oyo, Chief Mrs Ajiwumi, and the Babaloja of Oyo town, Alhaji Hon Nureni Adesola Alade.

Speaking during the visit on Sunday, Princess Abeo expressed profound gratitude to Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and Senator Sunmonu for their roles in her confirmation, describing her emergence as a significant milestone after a long period of anticipation, prayers and perseverance.

She acknowledged the support and encouragement she received from the senator, stressing that her appreciation went beyond words.

According to Princess Abeo, Senator Sunmonu had remained a dependable source of support, guidance and encouragement.

She added that she would always be grateful to God, the senator and Governor Makinde for the opportunity to serve market traders and artisans across the state.

Princess Abeo pledged to make unity, peaceful coexistence and collective progress of traders and artisans the cornerstones of her administration.

She called on market leaders and stakeholders across the state to set aside differences and work together for the advancement of the trading community, emphasising that peace and unity were essential for meaningful development.

“We must make sure we resolve our differences in Oyo. We must ensure peace everywhere in Oyo and promote unity,” she said.

The Iyaloja-General also appreciated market traders, artisans and other supporters for their contributions and goodwill, assuring them of her commitment to building a more united and progressive market community.

In his remarks, the Babaloja of Oyo town, Alhaji Hon Nureni Adesola Alade, commended Senator Sunmonu for her motherly support, guidance and mentorship, noting that her contributions had positively influenced traders and artisans in the town.

He described the courtesy visit as an opportunity to acknowledge the senator’s sustained commitment to the welfare and development of the trading community, expressing optimism that Princess Abeo’s emergence would usher in greater progress for Oyo town and the state.

Alade also appreciated the support extended to market leaders and traders, noting that continued collaboration would strengthen their association and promote a more harmonious trading environment.

Similarly, the Iyalaje Olounje of Oyo, Chief Mrs Ajiwumi, praised Senator Sunmonu for her motherly care, prayers and encouragement, expressing delight that the position of Iyaloja-General was entrusted to an indigene of Oyo town.

She described the development as a source of pride for the community, adding that market leaders remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, development and welfare of traders.

Chief Ajiwumi and Alade also expressed gratitude for the N30 million financial support provided to advance the interests of market traders in Oyo town. They disclosed that the support contributed to the development of a befitting association building, which would soon be commissioned.

They commended Alhaja Bili Ogungbile and Alhaja Pakala for their contributions and support throughout the process leading to Princess Abeo’s emergence, describing the journey as one marked by perseverance, prayers and eventual celebration.

Responding, Senator Sunmonu expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and their kind words, while acknowledging the contributions of Governor Makinde, the traditional institution in Oyo town and other stakeholders.

She described Princess Abeo’s emergence as a moment of collective joy for Oyo town and urged market leaders and traders to support the new Iyaloja-General with prayers, cooperation and constructive counsel.

She stressed the importance of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, urging stakeholders to resolve disagreements amicably and place the collective interest of Oyo town above personal differences.

Senator Sunmonu also encouraged traders to remain prayerful and supportive of the new leadership, noting that success in public service requires divine guidance, commitment and cooperation of the people.

She prayed for God’s continued blessings on Princess Abeo’s tenure, expressing hope that her leadership would bring greater development, harmony and prosperity to traders and artisans across Oyo State.