The Oyo State Government has formalised the appointments of four market leaders across the state with the presentation of official appointment letters, in a move aimed at strengthening leadership, promoting unity and addressing lingering issues within the trading community.
Those recognised are Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen as Iyaloja-General of Oyo State; Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo as Babaloja-General; Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh as Aare Oloja; and Chief Mrs. J.T. Raimi as Asiwaju Oloja of the state.
The appointments followed the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde, while the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, presented the appointment letters to the four market leaders at his office, describing the development as an important step towards resolving outstanding concerns and ensuring effective leadership within the state’s trading community.
Professor Adelabu said Governor Makinde had directed that the inauguration and related matters concerning the recognised market leaders be addressed without further delay. He stressed that the official documentation was necessary to establish the legitimacy of the appointments and eliminate uncertainty surrounding their recognition.
The Commissioner urged traders across the state to embrace unity, cooperation and mutual understanding, noting that disunity could prevent them from benefiting fully from government interventions and programmes designed to support commerce and economic development.
He maintained that a united trading community would be better positioned to engage with government, communicate its needs and work towards common goals. He also charged the newly recognised leaders to see their appointments as a call to service and responsibility, urging them to promote peace, fairness and inclusive representation of market women, men and other stakeholders.
In her response, the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, expressed appreciation to the state government for the confidence reposed in her, describing the appointment as a call to greater responsibility.
She called on traders to embrace unity, mutual understanding and cooperation, stressing that collective efforts would strengthen their representation and advance their common interests.
