The controversy surrounding the position of Iyaloja General of Oyo State has sparked concerns over the independence of market leadership institutions, following allegations that political considerations may have influenced the recognition of a market leader.
The development has brought renewed attention to the role of established market traditions, traders’ collective preferences and the need for transparency in decisions affecting the leadership of market associations.
To this end, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, has called for respect for the collective will of market traders in Oyo State amid the controversy surrounding the position of Iyaloja General.
Sanusi, in a public statement, said the traditional institution of Iyaloja represented more than a political appointment, describing it as a symbol of generations of market leadership, commercial heritage, grassroots unity and the dignity of traders whose daily activities sustain the state’s economy.
He said the controversy involving Alhaja Saratu Konibaje and Alhaja Abeo had raised fundamental questions about the independence of traditional market institutions and the extent to which established customs and the preferences of traders were respected in determining market leadership.
The traditional titleholder noted that allegations had emerged suggesting that Konibaje’s alleged unwillingness to align with Governor Seyi Makinde’s political structure contributed to the decision to recognise another person as Iyaloja General.
Sanusi, however, called for transparent clarification of the allegations, stressing that the matter should be addressed through facts and open engagement rather than speculation.
He maintained that market leadership should not be used as a reward for political loyalty or as punishment for political independence.
“Market leadership must never become a reward for political loyalty or a punishment for political independence,” he stated.
Sanusi said traders across Oyo State deserved to know whether their established selection processes, customs and collective preferences had been respected in the handling of the disputed position.
According to him, the legitimacy of the office of Iyaloja should be founded on recognised traditions, lawful procedures and the confidence of the market community rather than other considerations.
“The office of Iyaloja belongs to the heritage and interests of the market community. Its legitimacy should rest on recognised traditions, lawful procedures and the confidence of the traders themselves,” he said.
He consequently called for respect for the independence of market associations, peaceful dialogue among all parties involved and a transparent explanation of the process through which the disputed leadership decision was reached.
Emphasising the importance of traders’ participation in decisions affecting their leadership, Sanusi said their voices, dignity and freedom of association must be protected.
“The voice of market traders matters. Their dignity matters. Their freedom of association matters. Their collective will must never be ignored,” he declared.
He concluded by praying for the continued unity, peace and prosperity of markets across Oyo State and the state at large.
