Leaders of major market associations and traders’ groups in Oyo State have rejected what they described as the illegal constitution of a Babaloja-in-Council allegedly inaugurated by the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebisi Adeniyi, accusing him of actions capable of causing division among traders in the state.
The market leaders made their position known during a world press conference held on Thursday at the Parliamentary Building Secretariat, Ibadan, where they also disclosed that they possess legal documents, court processes, and other evidence to substantiate their claims.
Speaking on behalf of recognized market leaders’ clusters across the state, the coalition criticized what it described as the commissioner’s “divisive and vindictive attitude,” alleging that his actions have continued to create tension within market structures and weaken the existing relationship between traders, artisans, and government.
According to the group, the inauguration of the Babaloja-in-Council lacked legislative backing and was therefore “null, void and of no effect.”
They maintained that the Oyo State Market Leaders Council remains the only legally recognized body empowered to coordinate market activities and serve as liaison between traders and the government.
The coalition alleged that despite failing to inaugurate the recognized Market Leaders Council for over two years, the commissioner allegedly focused attention on promoting the Babaloja-in-Council arrangement, a move they described as an attempt to impose minority interests on the majority of traders and artisans in the state.
The leaders further claimed that no meaningful achievement was recorded for traders and artisans during the commissioner’s tenure, alleging that his administration has instead deepened disunity within market structures across the state.
The market leaders also argued that the position of Babaloja General is merely honorary and not part of the statutory market leadership structure recognized by law in Oyo State, adding that issues surrounding the office are still subjects of ongoing legal proceedings.
They further passed a vote of no confidence on the alleged Babaloja General, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, claiming his emergence has resulted in persistent crises, disunity, and distrust among traders.
According to the coalition, the majority of traders and artisans across Oyo State do not recognize him and have resolved to distance themselves from his activities.
The leaders warned members of the public, traditional institutions, government agencies, and private individuals against dealing with the Babaloja-in-Council, insisting that anyone doing so would be acting at their own risk pending the resolution of legal disputes surrounding the matter.
They also cautioned residents against accepting titles such as Patron and Matron allegedly being conferred by the council, describing such actions as misleading and fraudulent.
Among the signatories to the statement were Alhaji Chief S.A. Jimoh of the Oyo State Market Men and Women Association, Mrs. Odunola Danjuma of the National Association of Nigeria Traders, Chief Mrs. J.T. Raimi of the Association of Commodities and Foodstuff Sellers, and Alhaji Yisau Kolawole Hamzat of the Oyo State Tradesmen and Artisans Association.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to defending what it described as the lawful and recognized market leadership structure in Oyo State through legal and peaceful means.
