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Tag: Iyaloja

  • Iyaloja-General condemns forceful closure of Mushin market

    Iyaloja-General condemns forceful closure of Mushin market

    The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo has condemned the forceful closure of Ojuwoye market in the Odi-Olowo area of Mushin, Lagos over the weekend by the Iya-Oja of the market, Madam Mufuliat Adebunmi Abimbola.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Iyaloja-General called for calm among traders, assuring them that all lawful measures would be taken to address the situation and restore normalcy. 

    “I want to appeal to all the traders of Ojuwoye Market to remain calm, as every lawful procedure required shall be explored to bring Mufuliat Adebunmi Abimbola and her accomplices to book,” the statement read.

    The market leader explained that the controversy began on December 6, 2024, when Madam Mufuliat allegedly ordered miscreants to close down the shop of a trader in the market, Mrs. Bola Okusanya popularly known as O’baby.

    She said despite efforts to mediate, Madam Mufuliat reportedly refused to heed resolutions, leaving Mrs. Okusanya unable to access her shop, which serves as her primary source of livelihood.

    In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Iyaloja-General’s office reopened the shop on December 24, 2024. However, it was soon discovered that the shop had been vandalised and turned into what appeared to be a shrine. 

    Read Also: Iyaloja unveils plans for establishing NMCN to SMEs

    “She conspired with touts and area boys to litter the shop with fetish materials and turn it into a shrine, complete with a masquerade rod and regalia, intending to intimidate Mrs. Bola,” she said.

    The matter was reported to the police, and the shop was reopened again after further investigations. However, Madam Mufuliat allegedly escalated her actions, locking the shop once more and deploying a traditional masquerade, locally known as Igunnu Ko, to intimidate Mrs. Okusanya further.

    The Iyaloja-General also accused Madam Mufuliat of defamation, citing false and damaging statements published in a national daily on December 31, 2024, which she claimed were aimed at tarnishing her reputation. 

    “These unsubstantiated statements are intended to damage my good name and cause undue embarrassment,”

    She urged authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure the safety of traders in Ojuwoye Market. 

    “These actions pose a direct threat to the life and property of Mrs. Bola Okusanya and have created an atmosphere of fear among traders.”

  • Ibadan elders, leaders opt for due process over Iyaloja-General crisis

    Ibadan elders, leaders opt for due process over Iyaloja-General crisis

    Some elders and leaders in Ibadanland have opted for due process in resolving the lingering crisis over Iyaloja-General of Oyo State post. 

    The elders include former President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Bayo Oyero; Aare of Ibadanland, who is also the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola; Babaloja of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Abass and the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Engr. Chief Dotun Sanusi.

    Others are CCII President-General, Barr. Chief Niyi Ajewole; Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI) and the former Ag. Secretary General CCII, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, and Mogaji Abass Oloko among others.

    The due process, according to the elders, is to present Alhaja Saratu Konibaje, who was elected as the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State in an election supervised by officials from the State Government to governor Makinde for ratification.

    The elders, in a special meeting of stakeholders in Ibadanland on tussle of Iyaloja-General of Oyo state between Alhaja Saratu Konibaje and Alhaja Nurudeen Abeo, resolved to follow due process to put an end to the crisis.

    The duo of Chief Bayo Oyero and Daud Akinola said most of the information they got at the meeting was new to them contrary to what they have been hearing about the matter.

    Akinola  said Makinde may not have been properly briefed on the correct perspective of the situation which may have responsible for delay in confirming the right choice.

    He said the Governor has insisted that except he is properly briefed about the crisis, he may not be able to take decisive step on it.

    Read Also: Market leaders to Makinde: ratify Konibaje as Iyaloja-General

    He however said proper step will be taken in notifying the Governor, saying due process which produced Alhaja Saratu Konibaje would be presented to the Governor.

    Oyero lamented that combination of due process and politics was responsible for the crisis, adding it wouldn’t have occured if due process was encouraged.

    He however said since due process has been followed, monitored by relevant state government officials and Konibaje has emerged, he has no objection to the position.

    Engr. Dotun Sanusi, Alhaji Abass and Mogaji Abass Oloko maintained that the market structure, due process and arrangements of everything give nod for Konibaje as the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State.

    On the geopolitical zonal arraignment and spread of Iyaloja and Babaloja General of Oyo state, one of the Leaders of Market Council in Oyo state, Mogaji Adeniyi stated that the leadership of various blocs have been well represented by various geopolitical zones in Oyo state.

    He said people from Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa are all leaders of various markets blocs.

  • Iyaloja unveils plans for establishing NMCN to SMEs

    Iyaloja unveils plans for establishing NMCN to SMEs

    The Iyaloja General of Nigeria and daughter of the president, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo has unveiled plans by the federal government to establish National Market Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to boost SMEs and petty businesses in the country.

    Tinubu-Ojo made the disclosure in Sokoto explaining that the primary objective of the council was to further ease and expand business activities of traders through genuine and beneficial window of accessing single digit interest loan to advance the country’s economy.

    Iyaloja was among dignitaries that graced the opening of the 38th annual FOMWAN Confab in Sokoto where she also applauded the association for its strides in driving the course of Islam through Da’awah and other meaningful services for the benefit of  mankind.

    In the same vein, Tinubu-Ojo noted that Islam was built on the principle of knowledge , equity, just and fair conduct with the fear of Allah.

    She stressed the need for Muslim women to continue to demonstrate commitment and trust in propagating the religion of Islam  hence extend support and humanitarian gesture to those in need.

    The First Lady and Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by APC deputy National Women Leader, Zainab Ibrahim and Wife of the Vice President , Nana Shettima were on roll of dignitaries in attendance where  Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto who was also the Special Guest of Honour and host, called on FOMWAN to lend its voice and support in the fight against insecurity in the North especially in the northwest and Nigeria at large by providing space for topical discuss inorder to brainstorm for solutions to end the menace. 

    However, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko , the Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Sama’ila Mera also graced the occasion as Professor Ishaq Oloyede called on FOMWAN to use its platform to advocate more on collective societal efforts in giving a sense of direction to humanity in the way of Allah as the supreme decider on all about mankind.

    Read Also: Iyaloja-General: We stand by competence, due process – CCII

    He explained in his keynote address on the topic “Societal Reorientation: Islam as an Embodiment of Societal Values for Growth, Development and Morality” that it was disadvantageous to be indifferent or defiant in attitude towards set objectives noting that advocacy should be collectively driven to strengthen the course of FOMWAN as an instrument through which Islam was propagated.

    He described FOMWAN as a forefront mobiliser of women awareness with dignity and decorum, stressing that the Qur’an encompasses all guidance for mankind as a call to the way of Allah.

    According to him, reorientation required collective approach of the society in the way of Allah noting that ignorance of a problem was the basis for seeking solution inorder to achieve a responsive societal reorientation in compliance with the teachings of the Qur’an.

    “While engaging various measures, you should be conscious against abnormalities and other evils capable of influencing your faith”, pointing out that principles of positivity , practicability and universality are fundamental drivers of Islam as a religion”, he urged.

    Oloyede further called on FOMWAN to encourage good governance while citing a verse in the holy Qur’an which preaches the entirety of a life journey of mankind saying that ” every act of our activity should be seen and conducted as act of worship.

    “Do not demonise Allah by attaching success to self and ascribing evil to Allah. All happenings  and conducts of mankind are controlled by Allah. Prayer must be embraced fervently against wrong happenings to Muslims globally as life is unpredictable “, 

    Quoting Suratul Asr, the JAMB Registrar urged Muslims to reflect on the verses of the Qur’an as revealed by Allah.

    “Do not take wedding for marriage and do not take safety for security”, he said to buttress his analogy.

    In the same vein , Dr Folashade Tinubu-Ojo noted that Islam was built on the principle of knowledge , equity, just and fair conduct with the fear of Allah.

    She stressed the need for Muslim women to continue to demonstrate commitment and trust in propagating the religion of Islam  hence extend support and humanitarian gesture to those in need.

    Meanwhile, the Iyaloja General  seized the space to visit traders at the Sokoto central market to strength the bond of business synergy in unity especially on value addition to the course of achieving beneficial national economic growth and development.

    At a brief interface with traders and market leaders, Dr Tinubu – Ojo unveiled plans for the establishment of  National Market Council of Nigeria( NMCN)  to drive a more advanced engagement for business growth with vision for boosting and encouraging expansion of small businesses by providing a platform for accessing single digit loan facility.

    She noted that small and petty businesses were fundamental drivers of the economy for sustained national growth and development.

    Dr Yonubu-Ojo observed that traders would be economically strong and capable of driving the country’s  prosperity and desire for business successes.

    According to her ” We need to work together on same page as divided association would only encourage set back in our vision which over the years has denied us opportunities.

    ” Also, it will prevent the divide and rule syndrome leveraged on by government . We need better sense of belonging.

    ” We have started generating data  and other basic information on markets leadership towards realizing the council “, Tinubu -Ojo who for the past 10 years , has been piloting as Iyaloja General of Nigeria after her mother and grand mother.

  • Iyaloja-General: We stand by competence, due process – CCII

    Iyaloja-General: We stand by competence, due process – CCII

    The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has waded into the tussle over the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, saying the body stands by merit, competence, due process and a level playing ground for all contenders.

    CCII said as a peace-loving socio-cultural organisation, it had played a neutral role by interacting with the two contenders with a view to ensuring that peace reigns in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

    There has been controversy over the post of Iyaloja-General of Oyo State between Princess Folashade Abeo and Alhaja Saratu Konibaje.

    A statement by CCII President-General, Barr. Niyi Ajewole stated that CCII would not close her eyes while some people are fanning the ember of animosity that would disrupt the pleasant atmosphere of peace that Ibadan and Oyo State are enjoying.

    CCII condemned the discriminatory statement against Ibadanland by Folashade Abeo, saying Ibadan liberalism should not be taken for granted and Ibadan indigenes would not fold their hand while some people gang up to discriminate, intimidate and wage war against its daughter, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje.

    Abeo was quoted as saying: “Oyo state belongs to all zones in the state, so, it would be fair, just, and equitable if another zone is allowed to produce the state’s Iyaloja general, given that the Oyo state government has formally recognised Mr. Y.K. Abass as the Babaloja General, who is from Ibadan.”

    But CCII maintained that an Ibadan man is the Babaloja of Oyo State doesn’t preclude an Ibadan daughter from becoming Iyaloja of Oyo State if Konibaje is eligible, qualified, accepted and the emergence follows the due process. 

    “If indigenes from the same town or city of Oyo State emerged as Babaloja and Iyaloja of Oyo State, so be it. Ibadan people will not have any cause to oppose it, in as much as it is based on merit and the due process clearly followed,” the body stated.

    Read Also: Adeleke sacks Iyaloja-General appointed by Aregbesola

    Parts of the statement read: “Except for traditional titles, Ibadan people do not care, who holds what office, in as much the person doesn’t do anything to bring the integrity of Ibadan to disrepute.

    “None indigenes had held and still holding political offices in Ibadanland to the posts as high as the office of Local Government Chairman. No town or city in Oyo State has such a magnanimous record.

    “In professional and other groups, none Ibadan indigenes are conveniently holding positions of leadership without unwarranted antagonism, from any quarters such is the generous liberalism of Ibadan and her people.”

    “In view of the foregoing,  we enjoin all parties involved to allow peace to reign and let the government decide on the matter as may be necessary, we humbly call on the government to fairly intervene, no discrimination, based on envious and hateful sentiment would be accepted..”

  • Iyaloja monie launch: Fed Govt begins sensitisation in Abuja

    Iyaloja monie launch: Fed Govt begins sensitisation in Abuja

    Ahead of next month’s launch of a scheme to lift 1.5 million Nigerians out of multi-dimensional poverty in one year, the federal government has begun sensitising petty traders, widows, the poor and vulnerable in some rural areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Humanitarian and poverty alleviation minister, Betta Edu led the campaign to the Ushafa community in the Bwari Area Council and several other FCT suburbs.

    Christened “The Iyaloja Market Fund”, Phase 1 of the scheme involves the disbursement of a non-interest loan of N50,000 to market traders, selected from 109 markets across every senatorial zone in the country.

    According to a statement by the minister’s special adviser on media and publicity, Rasheed Zubair, the process of sensitization and enrolment is ahead of the flag-off, next month.

    Zubair said the sensitisation follows President Bola Tinubu’s target of reaching no fewer than half the number of poor and vulnerable individuals across the country by October next year, in line with his eight-point agenda which has poverty eradication as a priority.

    He explained that multi-dimensional poverty is to be addressed through different programs targeted at the grassroots.

    The chief driver of the poverty eradication agenda, he added, “is the ministry saddled with the responsibility of renewing the hopes of Nigerians daily in their millions.”

    Read ALso: Lagos introduces new transport programme as commissioner seeks support

    Zubair said: “Residents of the Ushafa community in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT, and many other suburbs played host to the Minister Of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, as she engaged market women and petty traders ahead of the launch of the IYALOJA MONIE next month.

    “This program has the target of reaching at least 1.5 million Nigerians nationwide.

    “Excitement was palpable in the air as the residents trooped out in their numbers to join Dr. Edu, as she moved from one petty trader’s table to the next.

    “The minister, who left the opulence and glitz of Abuja city centre to reach out to the poor and vulnerable people in Ushafa, was pleased with the opportunity to interact with those whom the interventions are meant for.”

    Zubair quoted Edu as saying “President Tinubu truly means well for the country and had promised to remove Nigerians from multi-dimensional poverty and humanitarian crises. Presently he is matching words with action.”

    He said the minister also used the occasion to deliver a message of the “Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu” to the residents on various social intervention programmes of the Tinubu administration, creating avenues for feedback where necessary.

    He added: “Also, at a community engagement attended by the community’s traditional rulers, youths, women, the aged, petty traders, and physically challenged persons, food, and non-food items were distributed to poor and vulnerable households as part of her birthday celebrations.

    “She explained that the food and non-food items presented to them were in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which aims to reduce multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria.

    “The minister also used that medium to monitor the inclusion of older people in the community, who have been captured to be part of the ongoing Conditional Cash Transfer.”

    According to the statement, three residents at the occasion-Mabel Imeh Odiegwu, a tailor, Hassan Yakubu a petty trader, and Esther Isa, also a trader – expressed surprise at the Minister’s presence in their community, saying they had not experienced such before.

    They expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the renewed attention to the poor and vulnerable in the country, noting that with speedy implementation, a lot was going to change for the better in Nigeria.

    The statement read: “We commend the Minister who spent her birthday with us in our community. We are convinced that truly the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is real and has touched us.”

  • Iyaloja sues Olubadan, others for title stripping

    Iyaloja sues Olubadan, others for title stripping

    The Iyaloja of Ibadan, Chief Labake Lawal, has sued the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan-in-Council and the new Iyaloja, Chief Iswat Ameringun, for stripping her of her title.

    Lawal was stripped of her title in March and Chief Ameringun installed as the Iyaloja.

    She filed the suit at an Oyo State High Court.

    In the suit by her counsel, Akinjide Sadiq and others, Lawal is seeking a declaration that appointment and installation of the third defendant as Iyaloja of Ibadan land by the first and second defendants on March 20 is illegal.

    She said the appointment and installation were not only wrong but also violates her rights to natural justice.

    She prayed the court to declare her opponent’s appointment null and void and of no legal effect.

  • Iyaloja honoured in Kebbi

    The Uhola festival means everything to the Zuru in Kebbi State. In sacrifices and prayers they show their gratitude to the Almighty. In wrestling and dance they proclaim their communal core. In exchanging gifts and pleasantries, to say nothing of the elaborate merriment that follows, the Zuru demonstrate that they are jolly good fellows.

    Little wonder that they choose the Uloha feast to bestow some of their most cherished honours on their illustrious kin and others who have equally made a mark in their professions and the society.

    That was why they honoured Yeye Oba, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola with the Innan Zuru title.

    It was a day the President General of the Market Women/Men Association of Nigeria shared with several other honorees including Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha. While the Owelle was turbaned the Madubin Zuru, Mr Benjamin E. Dikki became the Sarkin Yakin Zuru, and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal the Danmajen Zuru. There were several others. It may well have been the day of the turban in the Zuru emirate.

    Traders across the country, and many others were on the Innan Zuru’s entourage.

    Zuru people believe that every person is a product of their own culture. They easily cope with any situation they find themselves in. They are also very accommodating.

    And what is the response from others? Those who set foot in Zuru land usually find it a place to call home.

    The Emir of Zuru, His Royal Highness Sani Sami Gomo II has assured that the emirate will continue to work towards improving the Uhola festival to make it more competitive and standardized, adding that his target is to make a menu tourists will find hard to resist.

     

  • Olubadan to probe Iyaloja’s role in market crisis

    Olubadan to probe Iyaloja’s role in market crisis

    The Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, will set up a committee to look into the crisis rocking the Ibadan Market Traders Association, under the leadership of the Iyaloja, Chief Labake Lawal.
    The monarch said the issue deserved thorough investigation.
    He said a committee of three or four neutral people would soon be constituted.
    According to him, an investigation would return peace to the market place and strengthen the unity and indivisibility of the traders.
    Aggrieved parties are to submit their petitions and all relevant documents to the secretary to the Olubadan-in-Council.
    The monarch replaced the embattled Baale Oloode in Oluyole Local Government, Luqman Alao, with Odeyemi Dauda Olayiwola. No reason was given for his removal.
    The removal may not be unconnected to allegations of high-handedness and rituals, resulting in endless litigations and security harassment.
    Despite the monarch’s plea that Alao should reconcile with his community, the efforts have not yielded positive dividends.

  • Olubadan: process of removing Iyaloja not completed

    Olubadan: process of removing Iyaloja not completed

    Media aide to the Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji, Adeola Oloko, has said the reported removal of the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief Labake Lawal, had yet to be formally presented to the traditional ruler.
    Oloko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan yesterday that the formal process of removing the Iyaloja was consequently yet to be completed.
    He said the monarch had the authority to ratify both the deposed Iyaloja and the new candidate as presented by the traders’ association through the Iyalode, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun.
    Explaining the formal process, Oloko said the association would brief the Iyalode of its decision to remove an Iyaloja, and she would in turn brief the monarch about the development.
    He said the Iyalode was responsible for vetting the process of removal and recommendation of a new candidate for presentation to the Olubadan for ratification.
    Oloko declared that the process was yet to be completed until the ratification by the Olubadan.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that mixed reactions had trailed the removal of Lawal over allegations of fraud and high handedness.
    The traders at their recent congress told reporters that the Olubadan had ratified the removal of Lawal as Iyaloja.
    But Lawal told NAN that she remains the Iyaloja, insisting that it was only the Olubadan that has the authority to remove her.
    She stated that she still enjoyed the support of the Olubadan and threatened to sue the traders over what she considered her illegal removal.
    “As far as I am concerned, I am still the Iyaloja and I have contacted my lawyer to sue anyone who takes any contrary action,” she said.
    NAN also reports that the Olubadan was reported to have told the traders at a meeting on November 28, last year that he only has the authority to ratify removal and appointment of a new Iyaloja.
    The monarch was quoted to have said at the meeting that affairs concerning traders were under the purview of the Iyalode at the Olubadan-in-Council.
    The Iyalode, after the meeting, told the traders that the choice of a new Iyaloja was theirs and the ratification would come from the monarch.
    She urged the traders to take a decision on the matter for ratification by the monarch.
    Alhaji Dauda Oladepo, the president of the traders’ association, had told Abiodun that Lawal was unanimously removed by congress at the group’s meeting.

  • Iyaloja raids Ekiti markets to force down prices

    Iyaloja raids Ekiti markets to force down prices

    •Residents applaud exercise

    There was drama in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday, when the Iyaloja, Mrs. Omowaye Oso, led a task force round some markets to force down “high” prices of foodstuff.
    The Iyaloja and her team stormed the Bisi Egbeyemi Market at Okeyinmi and ordered a drastic reduction of prices of goods, especially food stuff, which she was sold to buyers at cut-throat prices on the excuse of the appreciation of the dollar.
    Some of the commodities reduced included garri, local rice popularly known as “Buhari rice” and palm oil.
    A rubber of garri which sold for N200 was reduced to N100, 20 liters of palm oil which sold for N22,000 was reduced to N15,000 while a rubber of local rice was sold at N400 as against N500.
    The Iyaloja, who is also the president of the market women associations in the state, said she had ordered that the small measure of okro and locust beans be sold at N20 as against N50.
    Mrs. Oso said the raid would be a continuous exercise as she and her team enjoy the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe’s and government’s backing.
    She said they were also concerned about the exorbitant prices of goods and service in the town.
    Her words: “The cost of goods, especially foodstuffs, is too high in Ado-Ekiti and this is where prices of goods and services should be the cheapest. Traders should have mercy on the poor because things are too expensive here, unlike other towns and villages.
    “It is very unfortunate that traders in other communities don’t want to sell in their places, they know bring their wares to Ado because they believe they will sell it twice the price of what they sell in their communities.
    “As the Iyaloja, one of my responsibilities is that people don’t buy at cut-throat prices and we have the support of the state government, the Ewi and his chiefs in carry out this exercise which will be a continuous one and be repeated in all markets in Ado.
    Residents hailed the raid which they believe will save poor people who are struggling to survive.
    Mrs. Adijat Oni said: “This raid is a good one because we had thought that Ado traders are untouchable because they are notorious for selling at prices beyond the rash of the common man who is very hungry.”
    Mrs. Oluwakemi Adepoju said: “For us in Ado Ekiti, this is a good development, we want Iyaloja to go to all cold rooms where fish are being sold and those selling imported rice to force down the prices. We are expecting them in five days.”