Stakeholders Withdraw Court Cases, Commend Government’s Mediation Role
After years of internal crisis and leadership disputes, traders and artisans in Oyo State have finally resolved their differences, signing a historic peace accord that signals a new era of unity and cooperation among the state’s market leaders.
The resolution, which officially ended the protracted leadership crisis, was ratified on October 9, 2025, at a joint meeting held in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Ibadan. The meeting had in attendance the presidents of the twelve (12) registered clusters under the Oyo State Market Dealers Council, Babaloja and Iyaloja representatives from the 33 local government areas, and five delegates from each cluster.
Convened on the directive of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, the meeting aimed at fostering reconciliation among the warring factions ahead of the monarch’s coronation ceremony.
According to a communiqué jointly signed by the twelve cluster presidents, the Olubadan had earlier mandated all market leaders in the state to settle their grievances before his coronation. To ensure the directive was carried out, the monarch appointed Alhaji Yisau Kolawole Amusat and Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Kayode Danjuma to spearhead the reconciliation process through a series of consultations and peace meetings.
“His Imperial Majesty directed us to settle all grievances within our fold with immediate effect. Following his instruction, reconciliation meetings were held with all aggrieved parties, leading to mutual understanding and lasting peace,” the communiqué stated.
Resolution on Titles and Recognition
One of the most contentious issues addressed was the dispute surrounding the title of Aare Babaloja-General of Oyo State, sought by the camp of Alhaji S.A. Jimoh. After extensive deliberations, stakeholders unanimously rejected the creation of a new title that could fuel further division.
The meeting instead resolved to honour Alhaji S.A. Jimoh with the title of Aare Babaloja of Oyo State, clarifying that it does not conflict with the existing Babaloja-General of Oyo State title already conferred on Alhaji Y.K. Abass.
Both titles, the communiqué noted, will henceforth operate under the unified umbrella of the Oyo State Market Leaders Council to promote inclusivity, harmony, and administrative stability across markets in the state.
Withdrawal of Court Cases
In a major breakthrough, all parties agreed to withdraw the various court cases linked to the leadership tussle.
“It was resolved that all ongoing legal actions instituted by any trader or artisan in Oyo State should be withdrawn immediately, and evidence of withdrawal submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives,” the communiqué added.
Commitment to Peace and Development
The unified leadership pledged to work together to ensure peace, unity, and progress within the trade and artisan community for the collective growth of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“We are committed to fostering peace and harmony within our ranks for the glory of our dear state and the nation. We shall also continue to pray and work for the progress of Oyo State,” it stated.
The group also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives for its effective mediation throughout the crisis and appealed for the prompt inauguration of the Oyo State Market Leaders Council to enhance coordination and efficiency in market administration.
Signatories to the Communiqué
The peace accord was signed by the following twelve cluster presidents:
1. Alhaji Yisau Kolawole Hamzat – President, Oyo State Tradesmen and Artisans
2. Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Kayode Danjuma – President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS)
3. Alhaji Dauda Abiodun Oladepo – President, Ibadan Joint Traders Association
4. Chief (Mrs.) J.T. Raimi – President, Associated Commodity and Foodstuff of Nigeria
5. Alhaja Amudalat Iyadunni Lawal – President, Oyo State Food Canteen Workers Union
6. Chief (Mrs.) Labake Patience Lawal – President, Joint Traders Association of Oyo State
7. Alhaji Mogaji Kamorudeen Salawudeen – President, Progressive Tradesmen and Artisans of Oyo State
8. Alhaja (Chief) Afusat Adebiyi – President, National Traders and Market Leaders Council
9. Alhaji Najim Amole Azeez – President, National Youth Traders Action Council of Nigeria
10. Alhaji Malik Jubril Babasale – President, Companion Traders Association
11. Chief (Mrs.) Stella Olabode – President, Oyo State Association of Traders in Nigeria
12. Alhaji (Chief) S.A. Jimoh – President, Oyo State Market Men and Women
A New Dawn for Market Harmony in Oyo State
With the resolutions now ratified, Oyo State’s traders and artisans say they are turning a new page of unity and mutual cooperation. The council reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the state government in advancing market development and contributing to the broader economic growth of Oyo State.
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