Traders are pivotal in every strata of the economy. Without them, the survival of the economy can be unguaranteed.
Their importance cuts across every dimension of the economy.
In Nigeria and the States, the traders play key roles beyond marketing and trading in the market, they are very key to the social and political development of the state.
In the last couple of years in Oyo state, considering the imbroglio and confusion as to who is the real Iyaloja-General of The State. This imbroglio has led to divisions among traders in the state where some are very loyal to Princess Folashade Nurudeen Abeo and others pledge their loyalty to Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje.
The late Alaafin of Oyo, The Iku himself, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was said to have preferred the appointment of Princess Folashade Abeo as Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, while the late Olubadan, Oba Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1 had appointed Alhaji Y.K Abass as Babaloja General of Oyo state.
The Babaloja of Oyo state is a native of Ibadan, while Princess Folashade Abeo is said to be from Oyo.
These late Obas preferred the duo as above considering the need to allow the two offices to be zoned to two different regions (Oyo and Ibadan) to allow even development.
However, the traders after the demise of the obas, felt displeased that Princess Folashade Nurudeen Abeo was an imposter of the Late Alaafin as their right of choice was tampered with and they were not carried along in her emergence as their Iyaloja. They had on many occasions stated that the choice of Iyaloja-General of Oyo state is exclusively theirs and no king should impose anyone on them, rather, the choice of Iyaloja must be a collective decision taken by Oyo state traders association after which they will introduce such person to the kings and authorities in the state for their approval.
They also claimed that the traders association had made their choice and had preferred Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje and the late Olubadan, Oba Akanmu Adetunji Aje ogungunniso also approved it. This development is what led to the division within the traders association caucus as some are loyal to Folashade Abeo while others are loyal to Saratu Aduke.
A critical study of the situation shows that immediately the two obas that were involved in the preference of the two respective iyalojas, late Lamidi Adeyemi (Alaafin of Oyo) and Oba Akanmu Adetunji Aje ogungunniso 1 (Olubadan of Ibadan land) became late, the matter became more tensed as the interests of the two quarters were nearly sparking up violence in the state until the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde had to weigh in on the matter and directed that the Oyo State Traders Association should follow due process in choosing their preferred Iyaloja, this means that all the twelve (12) clusters of leadership should come together and vote for their preference for Iyaloja.
The outcome of this directive is that an election was held for the position of the Babaloja, and Prince Y.K Abass emerged as the Babaloja General of Oyo state, thereafter, He was certified by the state government.
Going forward, the same due process directive was issued by the state government to resolve the imbroglio between the two Iyalojas, after which Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje emerged winner in the election conducted where she polled eight votes out of the twelve clusters of voters.
Immediately after this election was held, some quarters of interest also arose and claimed that historically and traditionally, the choice of Iyaloja was that of the king and not the political head of the state, the governor. They also insisted that the death of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi is what led to it.
This then further birthed division as eminent personalities in the state thereafter got divided in throwing their weight between the two contenders, Princess Folashade Abeo and Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje.
It’s very important to state that the Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde may not be privy to some key facts about the two contenders which could have hastened his intervention to permanently avert a looming crisis.
Recall that some months ago, Princess Folashade Abeo had accused the CCII, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes be acting as sole owners of Oyo state and this statement was said to be too grievous and could further cause disunity in the state.
In other not to shoot against the interests of the traders in the state, there is a need for them to be allowed to choose whoever they prefer to lead them.
They need someone who will stick to their interest, someone who has a mind of his own, who wouldn’t negotiate for any other interest except theirs.
Governor Seyi Makinde is hereby advised to critically and carefully examine the qualities and credentials of the two contenders. The key character differences between the two contenders for the position shall soon be made public to guide the Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and Chief Seye Famojuro who is believed to be very influential and instrumental in providing good recommendations to the Governor.
Also, in subsequent publications, we shall evaluate the contenders for the position of Governor of Oyo state in 2027, key parameters in the evaluation shall be their profiles and track records. Personalities like Chief Bayo Adelabu, Hon Stanley Adedeji Odidiomo, Chief Engr ‘SIR’ Dotun Sanusi, Sen.Teslim Folarin, Sen. Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, Zaach Adedeji, among others, shall be thoroughly scrutinized to properly guide Oyo state electorates.
Recall, Engr Seyi Mankinde, the Governor of Oyo State had yesterday revealed his preferred age to be his Successor Candidate in the People’s Democratic Party, on one occasion. But the findings make it clear to this newspaper that, Governor Seyi Makinde deliberately unveiled the age limit for his Successor for a reason according to an insider source.
Prince Adetunji Fabode is an indigene from Ona Ara Local Government.
