The confirmation of Adebisi Adeniyi Olabode, popularly known as Niyi Adebisi, as the consensus candidate for the Saki East, Saki West, and Atisbo Federal Constituency has been described as a significant turning point by all market traders and artisan in Oyo State.
Adebisi, a seasoned politician and businessman, currently serves as the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives in Oyo State. His emergence as a consensus candidate yesterday has stirred mixed reactions across political and commercial circles, with market stakeholders expressing cautious optimism about a new chapter in leadership engagement.
However, representatives of the Market Council have openly criticized his tenure as commissioner, alleging that his time in office was marked by strained relations with traders and artisans across the state. According to some council members, policies and actions under his leadership created divisions within market unions, particularly affecting the long-standing process surrounding the ratification of the Iyaloja General of Oyo State.
Stakeholders further alleged that a “divide and rule” approach was employed, which they claim disrupted the unity of market leadership structures and facilitated the imposition of what they described as unconstitutional authority within the Babaloja General and Babaloja-in-Council framework.
Some traders also expressed concerns that the commissioner’s administration created a communication gap between grassroots market operators and the state government, limiting the ability of Seyi Makinde to fully understand and respond to the needs of traders and artisans.
Despite these criticisms, others within the political space argue that Adebisi’s emergence as a consensus candidate could signal an opportunity for reconciliation and renewed engagement with key stakeholders, particularly in the commercial sector.
