Makinde Approves Appointment Of Abbas, Folashade, Two Others As Oyo Market Leaders

The Oyo State Government has presented official appointment letters to Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen as Iyaloja-General and Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo as Babaloja-General of Oyo State, formalising their recognition as leaders of traders across the state.

The government also confirmed the appointments of Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh as Aare Oloja of Oyo State and Chief Mrs. J.T. Raimi as Asiwaju Oloja of Oyo State, following the approval of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

The inauguration and presentation of appointment letters took place at the office of the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, who personally handed the official letters to each of the four recognised market leaders.

The Commissioner described the development as a significant step towards resolving outstanding issues affecting traders and strengthening unity and effective leadership within the trading community across Oyo State.

Professor Adelabu expressed delight over the governor’s approval, noting that he had prayed for outstanding issues within the ministry to be resolved within his first 100 days in office, by the grace of God.

He said the approval represented an important step towards addressing lingering concerns affecting market leadership and ensuring that the necessary administrative processes were completed.

The Commissioner explained that Governor Makinde had directed that the inauguration and related matters concerning the recognised market leaders be addressed without further delay.

He stressed that, as a public servant, it was essential for government decisions and appointments to be properly documented, noting that written approval and official letters were necessary to establish the legitimacy of the appointments and eliminate uncertainty.

Professor Adelabu, however, called on traders across Oyo State to embrace unity, cooperation and mutual understanding, observing that disunity among market stakeholders could deprive them of opportunities and benefits available through government interventions.

According to him, traders stand to gain more when they speak with one voice, resolve their differences amicably, and work together towards common goals. He maintained that a united trading community would be better positioned to engage with government, communicate its needs, and benefit from policies and programmes designed to support commerce and economic development.

The Commissioner urged Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, as Iyaloja-General, and the other recognised leaders to regard their appointments as a call to service, responsibility, and inclusive leadership.

He encouraged them to promote peace, fairness, and cooperation among traders while ensuring that the interests of market women, men, and other stakeholders were received appropriately.

In her response, the Iyaloja General of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government for the confidence reposed in her, describing the appointment as a call to service and greater responsibility.

She called for unity, mutual understanding, and cooperation among traders, noting that collective efforts would strengthen their representation and promote their common interests.

Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi