Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen, the newly confirmed Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, has paid a courtesy visit to the former Speaker of Oyo State, Senator Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu, at her country home in Oyo town, to express appreciation for her support and contributions to her emergence.
The visit, which took place as part of activities marking her confirmation, brought together prominent market leaders, representatives of traders and artisans, and political stakeholders, including the Iyalaje Olounje of Oyo, Chief Mrs. Ajiwumi, the Babaloja of Oyo town, Alhaji Hon. Nureni Adesola Alade, alongside members of Market trader’s and Artisans.
Speaking during the visit on Sunday, Princess Abeo expressed profound gratitude to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, for their roles in her confirmation, describing her emergence as a significant milestone after a long period of anticipation, prayers and perseverance.
She acknowledged the support and encouragement she had received from the senator, stressing that her appreciation went beyond what words could adequately express.
According to Princess Abeo, Senator Sunmonu had remained a dependable source of support, guidance and encouragement.
She added that she would always be grateful to God, the senator and Governor Makinde for the opportunity to serve market traders and artisans across the state.
Princess Abeo also pledged to make unity, peaceful coexistence and the collective progress of traders and artisans the cornerstones of her administration.
She called on market leaders and stakeholders across Oyo State to set aside their differences and work together for the advancement of the trading community, emphasising that peace and unity were essential to achieving meaningful development.
“We must make sure we resolve our differences in Oyo. We must ensure peace everywhere in Oyo and promote unity,” she said.
The Iyaloja-General further used the occasion to appreciate market traders, artisans and other supporters across the state for their contributions and goodwill, assuring them of her commitment to building a more united and progressive market community.
In his remarks, the Babaloja of Oyo town, Alhaji Hon. Nureni Adesola Alade, however commended Senator Monsurat Sunmonu for her motherly support, guidance and mentorship, noting that her contributions had positively influenced the affairs of traders and artisans in the town.
He described the courtesy visit as an opportunity to acknowledge the senator’s sustained commitment to the welfare and development of the trading community, expressing optimism that Princess Abeo’s emergence would usher in greater progress for Oyo town and the state at large.
Alade also expressed appreciation for the support extended to market leaders and traders, noting that continued collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen their association and promote a more harmonious trading environment.
Similarly, the Iyalaje Olounje of Oyo, Chief Mrs. Ajiwumi, praised Senator Sunmonu for her motherly care, prayers and encouragement, expressing delight that the position of Iyaloja-General had been entrusted to an indigene of Oyo town.
She described the development as a source of pride and happiness for the community, adding that the town’s market leaders remained committed to supporting initiatives that would promote peace, development and the welfare of traders.
Chief Ajiwumi, alongside Alade, also expressed gratitude for the donation of ₦30 million financial support provided to advance the interests of market traders in Oyo town. They disclosed that the support had contributed to the development of a befitting association building, which they said would soon be commissioned.
They further commended Alhaja Bili Ogungbile and Alhaja Pakala for their contributions and support throughout the process leading to Princess Abeo’s emergence, describing the journey as one marked by perseverance, prayers and eventual celebration.
Responding, Senator Sunmonu expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and their kind words, while acknowledging the contributions of Governor Makinde, the traditional institution in Oyo town and other stakeholders to the development.
She described Princess Abeo’s emergence as a moment of collective joy for the people of Oyo town and urged market leaders and traders to support the new Iyaloja-General with prayers, cooperation and constructive counsel to enable her to succeed in her new responsibilities.
She stressed the importance of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, urging stakeholders to resolve disagreements amicably and place the collective interest of Oyo town above personal differences.
She maintained that the development was a source of happiness for the community, expressing confidence that unity and cooperation would create opportunities for further progress.
Senator Sunmonu also encouraged the traders to remain prayerful and supportive of the new leadership, noting that success in public service required divine guidance, commitment and the cooperation of the people.
She concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings on Princess Abeo’s tenure and expressing hope that her leadership would bring greater development, harmony and prosperity to market traders and artisans across Oyo State.
