Market leaders and artisan stakeholders across Oyo State have voiced strong concerns over what they describe as deepening political interference in their affairs, warning that failure to respect established structures could trigger long-term instability within the sector.
In separate interviews with our correspondent, stakeholders expressed fears that the growing tension between market groups and government actors, if not urgently addressed, may have far-reaching consequences.
“We are at a critical point. If we fail to defend our constitution and established systems today, the coming generation may face serious conflict,” a senior market figure cautioned.
The traders and artisans accused politicians of overstepping boundaries and turning market administration into a political battleground, urging them to step back and allow business activities to thrive without disruption.
“Politicians should leave us alone and allow us to face our businesses. Markets are not political structures; they are economic lifelines,” an artisan leader stated.
A key issue fueling the tension is the ongoing legal dispute involving the acclaimed Babaloja General, YK Abass. Stakeholders emphasized that the matter is currently before a competent court of law and should be allowed to proceed without interference.
“The case is in court. Traders should be allowed to drink from the uninterrupted stream of justice. Any attempt to influence or bypass the legal process will only deepen mistrust,” another stakeholder noted.
Further clarifying the process of leadership emergence within the market system, stakeholders explained that the nomination of Babaloja and Iyalọja positions is designed to be inclusive and representative. According to them, nominations are expected to come from representatives of the 33 local government areas and key trader stakeholders to a duly constituted council inaugurated by the Oyo State Government. Such a council is then expected to vote and recommend nominees to the government.
They added that where the council is not in existence, nominees can be presented before the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Trade for recommendation in what they described as an all-inclusive process. Alternatively, a registered and recognized cluster of traders approved by the state government, with a 100 percent “no objection” consensus, can also vote to recommend candidates for official recognition.
“In view of this, the positions of Babaloja and Iyalọja General in Oyo State are elective in nature and must be backed by a proper legal framework. They are not hereditary or beaded titles as being wrongly portrayed in some quarters,” a stakeholder emphasized.
The traders therefore called on the Oyo State House of Assembly to urgently work on and pass the Market Leaders Council Bill, which they say will provide a clear legal structure for the full operation of the council without undue interference from any overbearing government official.
Concerns were also raised over what traders described as legislative neglect. According to them, while chieftaincy-related bills have been passed and implemented over the years, the proposed Market Leaders Council Bill has yet to receive similar government attention.
“This raises serious questions. If our bill has been on the table for years without approval, while others are fast-tracked, it suggests our welfare is not a priority,” a market representative said.
Stakeholders further criticized alleged actions by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Trade, accusing the ministry of attempting to impose leadership structures without clear legal backing.
“They want to enter through the back door and exit through the same way. What exactly are they inaugurating? Where are they getting the authority to issue certificates when there is no law governing such actions?” a trader queried.
Amid the growing concerns, some stakeholders also pointed fingers at Hon. Niyin Adebisi, alleging that his involvement in market affairs has introduced political division within the system.
They claimed that the alleged use of “divide and rule” tactics has further polarized market groups and complicated efforts to maintain unity among traders.
Despite the rising tension, stakeholders called for calm and urged all parties to embrace dialogue and due process. They stressed that markets remain a vital component of the state’s economy and should be protected from actions capable of undermining their stability.
Economic observers warn that continued friction within the market system could disrupt commercial activities and affect livelihoods across the state if not properly managed.
As the situation unfolds, there are increasing calls for the Oyo State Government to adopt a more inclusive approach, engage recognized stakeholders, and ensure that all actions concerning market administration are guided by law, transparency, and respect for established institutions.
