The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • My son’s wedding happiest day of my life – Yusuf Alli

    My son’s wedding happiest day of my life – Yusuf Alli

    • The Nation’s Managing Editor expresses joy over nuptials

    The Managing Editor, Northern Operations of The Nation newspaper, Alhaji Yusuf Alli, on Friday described the wedding of his son, Mubarak Yusuf, as the happiest day of his life.

    Alli spoke shortly after the Islamic wedding prayers at the Al-Noor Mosque in Abuja, where family, friends and colleagues gathered for the Wedding Fathia.

    Visibly emotional, Alhaji Alli said the ceremony brought back fond memories of his own wedding day, noting that watching his son begin a new chapter in life filled him with gratitude.

    “Today is my happiest day because I remember the day I married, and it’s replicating what I experienced. Alhamdulillah,” he said.

    He prayed for Allah to bless the union, strengthen the couple’s faith and grant them a peaceful and fruitful home.

    “I pray to Allah to strengthen his Imaan, because it’s not easy to have a woman at home, and when you have a strong Imaan, you’ll be able to manage the wife very well. I pray that this marriage will be blessed.

    “They will have children because children are fruits of marriage, and the love will be strengthened. They will have long life and prosperity to enjoy each other,” he added.

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    The veteran journalist also congratulated his wife for her role in raising the groom, noting that his career kept him constantly on the move.

    “I congratulate him. I congratulate the mother, who was mostly at home most of the time. As a journalist, I was always on the move, and I’m still on the move. So may the Lord bless the union”, Alli prayed.

    Speaking with equal emotion, the groom, Mubarak, paid glowing tribute to his father, whom he described as his greatest mentor.

    “He’s someone that I look up to; he basically taught me everything I know. I promise him that I will not disappoint him,” he said.

    Mubarak added that he hopes to build a home as strong as the one he grew up in.

    “I look forward to replicating what he has had with my mom and even do better. Insha Allah,” he said.

  • SWDC MD: how Nigeria can transform through business, policy collaboration

    SWDC MD: how Nigeria can transform through business, policy collaboration

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of South West Development Commission (SWDC) Dr Charles Akinola has called for deliberate collaboration between business thinkers and policy shapers to foster Nigeria’s transformation. 

    Akinola made the call in his keynote address at the maiden annual lecture of the Alumni Association of University of Ibadan School of Business. The lecture was themed ‘The Power of Collaboration: Alumni as a Catalyst for Business Growth and Societal Transformation, and Building Legacies.’

    Other speakers include the immediate past Managing Director of First Bank PLC Dr Adesola Adeduntan; Dr Adebola Akindele and Mr Godwin Odah. 

    Akinola, who harped on the need for a  deliberate collaboration  between business leaders and policy makers, said “Business provides energy, innovation, and risk appetite; policy provides stability, scale, and systems.

    “Imagine a partnership where alumni of business schools and alumni of policy schools work hand-in-hand, one designing sustainable business models, the other shaping regulatory frameworks that allow those models to flourish.

    “That synergy is how Singapore built its competitiveness, how Rwanda re-imagined governance, and how the Nordic nations transformed welfare into wealth.

    “We must reproduce that model here in Nigeria through intentional partnerships between our business thinkers and our policy shapers. The alumni network is the perfect incubator for such collaboration.”

    Highlighting the strategic link among network, knowledge and talent to the transformation of the society, the SWDC boss posited: “Knowledge gives us depth — it is the light that guides decision and innovation. Network gives us reach — it extends our influence beyond geography and sector. Talent gives us force — it converts insight into execution.

    “When these three combine, collaboration becomes catalytic. It turns a classroom relationship into a lifelong partnership and an alumni body into an economic powerhouse.”

    He reinforced his position with the example of how the SWDC is institutionalizing collaboration to achieve true legacies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda  

    He said: “At the South West Development Commission, we are turning collaboration into policy and practice.

    “Our One Economic Bloc Strategy seeks to integrate the economies of the six South West states into a single competitive region, creating a seamless regional market for goods, skills, and investment.

    “We are building partnerships with universities to establish innovation hubs, working with the private sector on industrial corridors, and engaging the diaspora to bring home both capital and competence.None of this can succeed in isolation. It takes the combined effort of public institutions, private investors, academia, and civil society.

    “This is what I mean by collaborative federalism development through partnership, not competition. It is collaboration at scale: government, business, academia, and communities co-creating a better future. The alumni community can mirror this approach an ecosystem rather than an association…

    “The sub-theme “Building Legacies” reminds us that legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we set in motion. We build legacies when we design systems that outlive us.

    “As Chinua Achebe said, “The story is our escort; without it, we are blind.” Let our story be one of service, integrity, and innovation of men and women who used knowledge, network, and talent to change society.

    “Whether in business, governance, or academia, let us institutionalize our values. Let our companies become models of sustained ethical excellence.Let our networks become platforms for inclusion. Let our leadership inspire trust across generations.”

    Earlier, Dr Adeduntan pointed out that the era of individual efforts was over, stressing that the dynamics are now in favour of collaboration whether in business, academia or governance. 

    His words: “Globally, growth is no longer about individuals but by networks of people and groups. The world economy has become extremely inter-dependent and connected through collaboration. The era of independent efforts driving growth is over – in business, governance and academia…

    “Alumni networks could serve as strategic reservoir of expertise, relationships and influence. They pull relationships and influence together.”

    He also said that alumni associations weee already shifting from social events to economic activities that drive innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity. 

    “Inclusivity enhances creativity. We need to rethink the focus of the alumni groups to create values for members. That value orientation is very important for us.” He said. 

    While welcoming participants, the president of the association Prof. Olugbenga Mokunolu, 

    said the association was determined to support the university, adding that it will continue to support the UI School of Business, mentor future leaders and current colleagues to help them navigate professional landscape successfully.

  • Wike to Fayose @65: you are a valuable brother and friend

    Wike to Fayose @65: you are a valuable brother and friend

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has congratulated the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on his 65th birthday, describing him as “a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues.”

    In his letter of congratulation to the former governor, Wike said Fayose remained a reference point in politics and governance in Nigeria.

    According to a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and new media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister wrote, “From the deepest part of my heart, I congratulate you on the occasion of your 65th Birthday, coming up on November 15th, 2025.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    “That you have attained this age is no doubt a confirmation of the grace the Almighty God has bestowed on you, and a challenge for more service to our country, Nigeria.

    “No doubt, at 65, you have remained a reference point in politics and governance in Nigeria.

    “You are such a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues.

    “Ayodele my younger brother, may you reach the age of your elder brother in good health, and may God continue to make your days on earth fruitful, with immeasurable blessings.

    “To a dependable ally, whose yes is yes, and no is no, happy Birthday”.

  • Reps urge completion of Armed Forces physical, health school in Osun

    Reps urge completion of Armed Forces physical, health school in Osun

    The House of Representatives on Thursday called for the immediate completion of the long-abandoned Armed Forces Nigeria Physical and Health School and Games Village in Esa-Oke, Osun State, conceived by the federal government through the Ministry of Defence to enhance the fitness and combat readiness of Nigerian troops.

    This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Oluwole Oke, Obokun/ Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State during Plenary.

    While moving the motion, Hon Oke lamented that despite budgetary allocations since 2008, the project had remained largely abandoned, denying the Armed Forces and surrounding communities the benefits intended from the initiative.

    The lawmaker noted that the institution, modelled after the United States Army Physical Training School in South Carolina, was designed to provide state-of-the-art training facilities to improve the physical and mental preparedness of military personnel.

    He added that its establishment was also expected to create employment, promote security, and engage the youth population in Esa-Oke and surrounding communities in Osun and Ekiti states.

    Hon Oke expressed concern that the stalled project has now degenerated into a hideout for criminals, posing a serious security threat to residents of the host communities.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    He warned that the failure to complete the facility was detrimental to the physical conditioning of Nigerian troops and undermined the nation’s security architecture.

    According to him, “the poor and derelict state of the school has turned it into an abode for criminals, inflicting pain and losses on the good people of Osun and Ekiti States. Urgent intervention is required to complete the project, as further delay will worsen the situation.”

    While adopting the motion, the House urged the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately deploy personnel to secure the project site and begin preliminary activities. It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Finance to release funds provided for the project in the current budget.

    Furthermore, the lawmakers mandated the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Planning Commission to make adequate provisions for the project in the 2026 budget estimates.

    The House also directed its Committees on Defence and Legislative Compliance to investigate why previous budgetary allocations for the project were not implemented and to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

  • Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results, says group

    Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results, says group

    …says 50kg bag of rice will soon be N20,000

    The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has declared that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to produce positive outcomes across key sectors of the nation’s economy.

    The Coordinator of the Women Wing of the group, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju, stated this on Friday at a mobilisation programme held in Ondo to rally support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Adeyanju said recent indicators in agriculture, manufacturing, and foreign exchange management show that the policy direction of the Tinubu administration is gradually stabilising the system and restoring investor confidence.

    She noted that although Nigerians have endured significant hardship since the implementation of the reforms – particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate – long-term benefits are beginning to emerge.

    Adeyanju, a former Commissioner for Water Resources in the state, said ongoing economic reforms, agricultural interventions, and support for local farmers would strengthen the food supply chain and make essential commodities more affordable.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    She also expressed optimism that the price of a 50kg bag of rice could soon drop to about N20,000, saying the government’s efforts were already influencing market trends.

    According to her, the mandate of the group is to deliver massive votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 election across all 18 local government areas of Ondo state.

    “The achievements of our President (Tinubu) so far will give him the second chance to govern us again in this country, and the mandate given to us by the leader of our group, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is to ensure that every woman in Ondo State votes for Bola Tinubu in 2027 in the APC.

    “So, very soon, Nigerians will start buying rice at the rate of 20,000 naira per bag, because we have seen what the President has done in the last two years economically. I am a trader too, and I know the trend of the market in Nigeria, and we started seeing the results.

    “Two years ago, we were buying rice for as much as between N180,000 and N200,000, but I can assure you with the market trends now that, within the next two years, we will be buying rice for less than N20,000, and I’m convinced about it,” She said.

    Adeyanju added that the group is intensifying efforts to secure widespread support for the President across the South-West, stressing that their directive from the Minister of Interior is to mobilize women and sensitise them on the importance of re-electing Tinubu in 2027.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of AMG, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the group has intensified grassroots mobilisation to ensure massive support for the APC and President Tinubu.

    He maintained that the achievements of the administration would earn the President a second term.

    “Things have come down drastically. NELFUND is ongoing for the benefit of our students, among other projects for Nigerians,” Asagunla said

    “What we are out for is to sensitise our people about the good works of our President through the Renewed Hope Agenda. We all know how much petrol was selling before and how much it is now. It is high time we support a better government.”

  • Youths must embrace farming, says ex-Ogun commissioner

    Youths must embrace farming, says ex-Ogun commissioner

    A former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, Samson Odedina, has called on youths to embrace agriculture as a viable means of livelihood and a key driver of national development.

     Odedina noted that agriculture remains one of the most effective ways to address the country’s challenges of unemployment, food insecurity, and foreign exchange scarcity.

    He made the call on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while speaking with reporters.

    The former Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), stressed that with the right support and innovative approaches, young Nigerians can transform the agricultural sector and create sustainable wealth for themselves and their communities.

    According to him, his success in public office was largely influenced by his experience as a private farmer, emphasizing that his agricultural ventures were self-financed long before his appointment as commissioner.

    “In 2007, I worked with certain international development projects and was paid a sum equivalent to 50 years’ salary at that time. With that money, I decided to acquire farmland in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and invest in agriculture,” he said.

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    He explained that his search for farmland took him to remote areas where he considered essential factors such as soil type, vegetation, and topography.

    “When I approached the landowners, they were surprised that anyone would prefer their area over lands closer to town. I told them farming is about productivity, not location. Eventually, we reached a fair agreement and became partners in progress,” he added.

    Odedina said that by the time he was appointed Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in 2018 and later Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, he was already an established farmer with thriving crops and livestock.

    “My experience in private farming prepared me for public service. I never sought or received government land for personal use; instead, I focused on my duties. To God’s glory, it was perhaps the first time a Commissioner for Agriculture didn’t apply for or get government land for personal farming,” he said.

    He therefore encouraged Nigerian youths to view agriculture not as a last resort but as a profitable and dignified profession capable of transforming lives and the economy.

  • Ogun SSA hails Abiodun for commissioning Alagbole–Ajuwon, Akute–Ajuwon roads

    Ogun SSA hails Abiodun for commissioning Alagbole–Ajuwon, Akute–Ajuwon roads

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Olanrewaju Michael George (OMG), has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for delivering what he described as an unprecedented infrastructural boost in Ifo Local Government with the commissioning of the Alagbole–Ajuwon and Akute–Ajuwon roads.

    Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the SSA said the newly completed roads have already begun transforming socio-economic activities in the axis, with residents and community leaders expressing relief and renewed optimism.

    According to him, testimonies from the Community Development Committee (CDC) highlighted the strategic importance of the roads, noting that the improved access routes are fostering trade, easing mobility, and opening fresh business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

    He added that transport union leaders also confirmed a significant reduction in vehicle maintenance costs since the completion of the projects, while student union representatives celebrated the safer and faster commute the roads now provide for schoolchildren.

    Market leaders, including the Ìyá Lọ́jà, were equally full of praise for the Governor, describing the development as a major boost to market accessibility and daily commercial activities.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    The SSA stated that Governor Abiodun’s intervention in the local government stands unmatched, describing it as “a new benchmark for inclusive, people-focused governance that places community welfare at the center of decision-making.”

    He further expressed gratitude on behalf of Ogun State youths, applauding the Governor’s commitment to sustainable development.

    “May God continue to bless, guide, and strengthen His Excellency to do even greater things for our dear state,” he said.

  • Abiodun set to award 11 road projects

    Abiodun set to award 11 road projects

    • •Governor inaugurates Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole Road

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday spoke of plans to award 11 road projects as part of efforts to deepen economic development across the state.

    He dropped the hint at the inauguration of the rebuilt Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole Road in Ifo Local Government.

    Abiodun said the new roads, when redeveloped, would stimulate socio-economic activities in the benefitting communities.

    The governor described the completion of Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole Road as a transformative milestone for Ifo Local Government and the state.

    He said the project was in response to the long-standing yearnings of residents, adding that his administration had earlier rehabilitated and rebuilt several adjoining roads in the axis, including Alhaji Kosoko Road (which links Denro–Ishasi–Akute), Segun Osoba Road, Toyin Street and Yakoyo–Alagbole Road.

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    “We also focused on the Hercules–Oke Aro–Giwa Road. That road was in terrible condition, but by the grace of God, it is now 100 per cent completed. I will be back soon to inaugurate it,” the governor said.

    He explained that the rebuilding of Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole Road formed part of a broader network linking several communities.

    “We reconstructed Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole axis and Alagbole–Akute stretch, which connects to Denro–Ishashi. Next, we will take on Akute–Lanbe–Oke Aro–Agbado–Ijoko–Sango roads. The Akute–Sango corridor is a 17-kilometre dual carriageway started by my predecessor but abandoned, rendering it impassable.

    “We have divided it into two phases. The first phase, covering 9.7 kilometres up to Agbado Train Station and about 700 metres beyond, is currently under reconstruction. The second phase, which will extend to Sango, will be awarded soon,” Abiodun said.

    He noted that the two roads inaugurated at the event were the 1.5-kilometre Alagbole–Ajuwon Road and the 4.5-kilometre Akute–Ajuwon Road.

    “Alagbole–Akute Road should be ready in about two to three weeks. I will return to inaugurate this alongside Hercules Road, hopefully before the new year,” he added.

    Governor Abiodun said the road projects in Ifo II were part of a wider infrastructure drive covering Ifo I and II in Ogun Central Senatorial District. Other completed or ongoing roads in the district, he said, include Sango–Ijoko–Agbado Road, Adesan Road in Obafemi Owode, Magboro–Makogi Road, Elega–Isaje–Miliki–Bode–Olude Extension, Oke–Lantoro–Yidi Lane and Sango–Abeokuta Road.

     The governor berated previous administrations for neglecting the area despite its economic significance, stressing that his government’s intervention was aimed at compensating residents for years of abandonment.

    He said the project formed part of his administration’s Urban Renewal Programme, which cut across the ISEYA mantra, encompassing roads, hospitals, education, security, and human capital development.

    Abiodun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting governors in transforming Nigeria into “a construction site,” and also thanked the people of Ifo for their patience and cooperation throughout the project.

    The member representing Ifo II State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Fola Salami, lamented that past administrations had neglected the area, saying the project represented the true dividends of democracy.

    The Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Mr. Lekan Kusimo, said residents and business owners suffered for over two decades due to the deplorable state of the roads. He expressed joy that the situation had finally been reversed.

    On behalf of the community, Alhaji Bashiru Akande thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise, while the Odofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, lauded the government for delivering the road project at a most critical time.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, said the completion of the road would bring huge relief to commuters and revive business activities in the corridor.

    He said the government was making steady progress on other ongoing road projects and urged residents to take ownership of the new road by keeping it clean and avoiding the dumping of refuse into the drainage channels.

  • Court adjourns Onikoyi chieftaincy dispute suit till Jan. 19

    Court adjourns Onikoyi chieftaincy dispute suit till Jan. 19

    • By Adebisi Onanuga and Kafilat Lawal

    An Ikeja High Court has adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by members of Onikoyi Royal Family, challenging the appointment and installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba land till January 19, 2026.

    Justice Olalekan Oresanya adjourned the case for further hearing of pending applications after it came up for mention yesterday.

    The claimants were represented by Jimoh Lasisi (SAN) and former Lagos Attorney-General, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), while the fourth defendant, Oba Onikoyi, was represented by Wale Adesokan (SAN).

    Ikeja High Court complex was turned into spectators’ arena, as family members and hundreds of people from the communities under the reign of Onikoyi thronged the court to solidarise with the monarch. 

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    The claimants in the suit are Otunba Abdul Ganiyi Kolawole Onikoyi, Prince Akinola Oyeniyi Fafunwa, Prince Abdul Waliu Omogbolahan Sulaimon, Chief Hassan Kehinde Elegushi, Alhaji Musiliu Abidemi Onikoyi, Alhaja Wosilat Quadri, Mrs. Adeola Davies, Prince Babatunde Onikoyi, Prince Babatunde Shadeko and Alhaji Ashraf Akinyemi Esinlokun.

    They instituted the action for themselves and on behalf of the Onikoyi Royal Family, otherwise known as the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family.

    Other defendants in the suit are Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Eti-Osa Local Government and Prince Kunle Fafunwa, the fourth defendant.

    In the suit filed by their counsel, Mr. Ademola Ekundayo of Hill City Associates, Ikeja, the claimants are seeking several declaratory and injunctive reliefs against the defendants.

    They contended that the purported selection, approval and installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the Oba of Ikoyi and Moba Land was illegal, null and void.

    They argued that the process leading to Fafunwa’s appointment violated the provisions of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006 and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State, which regulate succession to the Onikoyi stool.

    The claimants are, therefore, asking the court to set aside the purported selection, approval and installation of the fourth defendant. They prayed the court  to issue an injunction restraining him from parading himself or acting in any capacity as the Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land.

    They also sought an order directing Lagos State Government and relevant authorities to confirm and install the third claimant, Prince Abdul Waliu Omogbolahan Sulaimon, as the legitimate Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land.

    The claimants insisted that it was the turn of Ojubiari branch to ascend the throne.

    According to their statement of claim, the Onikoyi Royal Family consists of one ruling house known as Muti Ruling House, which has 10 branches, namely Fafunwa, Ojubiari, Kubayije, Ilumo, Idewu, Kugbamola, Aluko Ajose, Dosunmu Ajiwe, Adelo and Dosunmu.

    The family contends that under the 2006 Chieftaincy Declaration, the rotation of succession among these branches makes it the turn of the Ojubiari branch to produce the next Oba, following the demise of Oba Patrick Ibikunle Fafunwa, who hailed from Fafunwa branch.

    The claimants further alleged that the purported appointment of Prince Kunle Fafunwa, son of the late Oba Patrick Fafunwa, breaches the principle of rotation among the branches and offends established custom and tradition of the Onikoyi Royal Family.

    They averred that the family never nominated nor consented to the selection of the fourth defendant and that no valid family meeting or public notice was issued by the relevant authorities as required by law.

    The claimants said several letters and petitions were sent to the state government and Eti-Osa Local Government, but they were not answered.

    The claimants said they therefore instructed their counsel to institute legal action to prevent what they described as an “illegal imposition.”

    They had earlier filed an ex parte application for judicial review in Suit No. LD/9134GCM/2025, seeking an order of mandamus, compelling the state government to recognise and install Prince Sulaimon as the rightful Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land.

    During proceedings, the fourth defendant, through his counsel, Adesokan, (SAN) notified the court of a Motion on Notice filed on behalf of the fourth defendant, Prince Kunle Fafunwa.

    The motion was praying the court to set aside the service of the Writ of Summons on the grounds that the fourth defendant was not personally served.

    Justice Oresanya adjourned the case till January 19, 2026, for further mention

  • Oyo traders, artisans resolve leadership crisis

    Oyo traders, artisans resolve leadership crisis

    The lingering leadership crisis among traders and artisans in Oyo State has been resolved, following a peace accord ratified by the leadership of the 12 registered clusters that make up Oyo State Market Dealers Council.

    The resolution was reached at a joint meeting held on October 9, at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives.

    Stakeholders were in attendance, including the presidents of the 12 clusters, the Babaloja and Iyaloja representatives from the 33 local governments, and five delegates from each cluster.

    The meeting, convened at the directive of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was aimed at fostering peace among the warring factions of traders and artisans before his coronation.

    According to a communiqué signed by the 12 cluster leaders, the Olubadan had mandated market leaders in the state to resolve their grievances before his coronation.

    He appointed Alhaji Yisau Hamzat and Chief Odunayo Danjuma to anchor the reconciliation process — a task they began immediately, with consultations and peace meetings.

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    The communiqué was signed by the following 12 cluster presidents: Alhaji Hamzat, president, Oyo State Tradesmen and Artisans; Chief Danjuma, president, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS); Alhaji Dauda Oladepo, president, Ibadan Joint Traders Association; Mrs. J.T. Raimi, president, Associated Commodity and Foodstuff of Nigeria; Alhaja Amudalat Lawal, president, Oyo State Food Canteen Workers Union and Mrs. Labake Lawal, president, Joint Traders Association of Oyo State.

    Others are Alhaji Mogaji Salawudeen, president, Progressive Tradesmen and Artisans of Oyo State; Alhaja Afusat Adebiyi, president, National Traders and Market Leaders Council; Alhaji Najim Azeez, president, National Youth Traders Action Council of Nigeria; Alhaji Malik Babasale, president, Companion Traders Association, Mrs. Stella Olabode, president, Oyo State Association of Traders in Nigeria and Chief S. A. Jimoh, president, Oyo State Market Men and Women.

    One of the issues discussed was the controversy surrounding the title of Aare Babaloja-General of Oyo State, requested by the camp of Alhaji Jimoh. After deliberations, the larger house — comprising the presidents of the 12 clusters, the Babaloja and Iyaloja representatives across the 33 local governments, and five representatives from each cluster — unanimously rejected the creation of a new title that could cause further division.