Alhaji Kamorudeen Adegbayi, a group of market leaders in Oyo State, has expressed concern over the actions of Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola Akinola (D-Damak), who is both the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and the Aare of Ibadanland. Adegbayi raised questions about Akinola’s involvement in the appointment of Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen as the Iyaloja-General of the state. He highlighted that both the state government and market stakeholders are opposed to this appointment.
Adegbayi criticized Akinola for accompanying Abeo Nurudeen to the residence of High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of the state. Ladoja has consistently expressed his disapproval of the leadership crisis surrounding the Iyaloja position. Adegbayi emphasized that Akinola’s attempts to promote Abeo Nurudeen as the Iyaloja-General have previously failed.
He referenced a recent event, the Baba Ladoja’s annual Ramadan Lecture, where Abeo Nurudeen allegedly made unsuccessful attempts to be recognized as the Iyaloja-General. Furthermore, during a meeting at the Ibadan House, attended by Akinola, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, and other market elders and leaders, it was explained how Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje was elected as the Iyaloja-General. Konibaje secured seven votes, compared to Abeo Nurudeen’s two.
Adegbayi found it puzzling that Akinola was now pressuring the Babaloja-General of the State, Alhaji YK Abass, to forgive Abeo Nurudeen for their differences. He questioned whether Akinola was attempting to impose Abeo Nurudeen on the market leaders, and if he was trying to circumvent the proper process. Adegbayi also raised concerns over potential efforts to nullify Konibaje’s election and secure recognition for Abeo Nurudeen through any means possible.
The group of market leaders reiterated their opposition to Akinola imposing Abeo Nurudeen on them and questioned his reasons for insisting on her appointment. They called on Governor Seyi Makinde, whom they believe is a democrat, to uphold the rule of law and the will of the people.
