Market leaders in Ibadan North Local Government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Executive Chairman, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, commending his inclusive leadership and responsiveness to the needs of traders across the local government.
The endorsement came during a strategic meeting held at the council secretariat in Agodi, where representatives from 17 major markets across the local government gathered to interact with the chairman.
Markets represented at the meeting included Mokola, Ifelodun Bodija, Isokan Bodija, Irepodun Bodija, Vegetable Bodija, Binukonu Bodija, Ode Oolo, 30-30 Bodija, Betterlife Bodija Iso Pako, Sango Ojurin, Sango Garage, Kara Ojurin Bodija, Oke Itunu, Gbaremu, General Bodija, Ilupeju Bodija, and Ijokodo.
Speaking on behalf of the market leaders, the Babaloja of Ibadan North, Alhaji Chief Bolaji Muniru, praised Hon. Olufade for running an open-door administration, noting that it has been a long time since market stakeholders enjoyed such direct access to the local government leadership.
He described the chairman as a “humanist who derives joy in making people around him happy.”
Also speaking, the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Chief Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, described Olufade as a humble and approachable leader whose tenure has brought peace and stability to the markets.
“He is a man with listening ears, and we are happy to associate with him,” he said.
The Iyaloja of Ibadan North, Chief (Mrs) Borode Omotayo, thanked the chairman for the warm reception and for running a government that respects the voices of elders. “This is an inclusive government, and we are proud of it,” she said.
Alhaji Dauda Adegbenjo, Chairman of Bodija Market, described Olufade as “a man of the people” who has brought joy to traders since assuming office.
He offered prayers for the chairman’s continued success.
While lauding his achievements, the market leaders presented a set of demands, which they described as crucial to the welfare of their members. These include improved environmental sanitation, enhanced market security, establishment of a local fire service station, and increased access to critical infrastructure and dividends of democracy.
Responding, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade thanked the market leaders for their support and assured them that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance.
“We will work tirelessly to meet your needs. Our mission is to make life better for every market man and woman in Ibadan North,” he said.
He also urged them to continue to support the administration of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, whose policies he described as progressive and people-centered.
In attendance were the Head of Local Government Administration, M.A. Owolabi; Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties, Hon. Adewumi Adeagbo; Chief (Mrs) Borode Omotayo (Iyaloja of Ibadan North); Alhaja Chief Sikirat Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja of Bodija); Alhaji Chief Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh (Babaloja of Bodija Market); Alhaji Chief Bolaji Muniru (Babaloja of Ibadan North); Alhaji Dauda Adegbenjo (Chairman of Bodija Market), as well as representatives of the 17 market associations in Ibadan North Local Government.
