PROMINENT stakeholders at the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market in Africa, the Computer Village Ikeja, have thrown their weight behind the need to create the office of Babaloja/Iyaloja in the market by its Community Development Association (CDA).
They argued that the office is part of the tradition and customs of the Yoruba, which must be respected by both indigenes and non-indigenes.
Three prominent operators in the market stated this position in a chat with reporters over the controversy surrounding the decision to create the office.
They are Mr. Bayo Shittu of POWA Plaza, Mr. Bukola Obaremo, managing director/chief executive of B-Brucklin Computers and Mr. Chidi Eze of Oremeji Street, Computer Village, Ikeja.
Shittu said: “Nigerians like to tribalise and spiritualise issues. The constitution gives us the right to live anywhere, but we also have to respect the traditions and laws of our host communities.
“There are some markets in Igbo land that still follow the Eke and Nkwo market days and no visitor dares go against that. Onitsha market closes on Catholic holidays (Easter). I don’t see other religions or Christian complain about it because it is a culture.”
Shittu said: “Babaloja/ Iyaloja is an indigenous title that does not require any election and cannot be entrusted to non-indigenes. The power to appoint Babaloja/ Iyaloja in Yoruba land lies with the oba or Baale (community leader) of the town or village.
“This has been the tradition of Lagos. Even when the colonial masters came to Lagos, they respected all these norms. Why must it change now? How many laws and customs of the Southeast have been abrogated for Yoruba?”
Obaremo said the move would definitely be for the benefit of both the residents and business owners.
“Therefore, it’s encouraging and profitable,” he said.
Eze, a non-indigene, maintained that there was a need to respect traditions of any community one finds himself or herself.
He added: “The issue of Iyaloja is a traditional title that Yoruba don’t joke with. They take their culture very seriously, especially respect and greetings.”
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