Embrace those who contested against you— Seye Famojuro tells new market executives

The newly appointed Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, has led other market leaders on a thank-you visit to the Balogun Bobajiroro of Orile-Igbon and prominent political leader, Otunba Seye Famojuro, at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan.

Princess Abeo, who was accompanied by the Babaloja-General, Alhaji Yekini Abass (Y.K. Abass), and other newly appointed market executives, pledged to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among traders across the 33 local government areas of the state. Other appointees include Alhaji S.T. Jimoh as Aare Oloja and Chief J.T. Raimi as Asiwaju Oloja.

The delegation expressed appreciation to Famojuro and Governor Seyi Makinde for their support following the approval of their appointments.

Speaking during the visit, Abass described their emergence as an opportunity to serve the trading community, pledging to discharge his responsibilities with the fear of God, fairness, justice and inclusiveness. He assured traders that no section of the market community would be marginalised.

In her remarks, Princess Abeo thanked Famojuro for his support and acknowledged Makinde’s role in their emergence. She also prayed for the realisation of the governor’s presidential ambition, expressing confidence that his aspiration would come to fruition.

The Iyaloja-General commended the Makinde administration for its developmental strides, particularly the regular payment of workers’ salaries, which she said had boosted patronage and sales in markets across the state.

“Oyo State has never had it this beautiful before. Governor Makinde has performed wonderfully well, and he makes us happy because we make maximum sales immediately he pays workers’ salaries,” she said.

Responding, Famojuro congratulated the market leaders on their appointments and urged them to approach their responsibilities with humility, patience, accountability and the fear of God. He cautioned them against unnecessary controversies and distractions, stressing that integrity and a clear conscience should guide their decisions.

“I have no office, yet a lot of people abuse me and curse me, but I am never bothered. I sleep so well because I do all I do with the fear of God,” Famojuro said.

The political leader further advised the appointees to extend hands of fellowship to those who contested the positions but were unsuccessful, warning against treating them as enemies.

“You are just opportunists; hence, work together with everyone in unity and lead with the fear of God. Make friends with those who contested with you and never make them your enemies. Reach out to them and carry everyone along because whoever God has blessed, no man can curse,” he advised.

He charged the market executives to prioritise the collective interests of traders across the state, noting that peaceful coexistence and cooperation among market associations would be essential to the success of their administration.

The visit ended with the market leaders reaffirming their commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote unity, peace and prosperity across markets in the state.