The newly appointed Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, has led other market leaders in the state on a thank-you visit to the Balogun Bobajiroro of Orile-Igbon and prominent political leader, Otunba Seye Famojuro, at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan, pledging to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among traders across the 33 local government areas of the state.
The delegation, led alongside the Babaloja-General, Alhaji Yekini Abass (Y.K. Abass), included other newly appointed market executives who expressed appreciation to Famojuro and Governor Seyi Makinde for their support following the approval of their appointments. Other appointees include Alhaji S.T. Jimoh as Aare Oloja and Alhaji J.T. Raimi as Asiwaju Oloja.
Speaking during the visit, Abass described their emergence as an opportunity to serve the trading community, pledging to discharge his responsibilities with the fear of God, fairness, justice and inclusiveness. He assured traders that his administration would accommodate all stakeholders and ensure that no section of the market community was marginalised.
In her remarks, Princess Abeo thanked Famojuro for his support and acknowledged Makinde’s role in their emergence. She also prayed for the realisation of the governor’s presidential ambition, expressing confidence that his aspiration would come to fruition by the grace of God. The Iyaloja-General commended the Makinde administration for its developmental strides, particularly the regular payment of workers’ salaries, which she said had improved patronage and sales in markets across the state.
“Oyo State has never had it this beautiful before. Governor Makinde has performed wonderfully well, and he makes us happy because we make maximum sales immediately he pays workers’ salaries,” she said.
Responding, Famojuro congratulated the market leaders on their appointments and urged them to approach their responsibilities with humility, patience, accountability and the fear of God. He cautioned them against unnecessary controversies, criticisms and distractions, stressing that integrity and a clear conscience should guide their decisions and relationships with the people they lead.
“I have no office, yet a lot of people abuse me and curse me, but I am never bothered. I sleep so well because I do all I do with the fear of God,” Famojuro said, drawing from his personal experience to emphasise the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of criticism.
The political leader further advised the appointees to extend hands of fellowship to those who contested the positions but were unsuccessful, warning against treating them as enemies. He urged the new executives to embrace reconciliation, cooperation and inclusive leadership, noting that their appointments should inspire them to unite the trading community rather than deepen divisions.
“You are just opportunists; hence, work together with everyone in unity and lead with the fear of God. Make friends with those who contested with you and never make them your enemies. Reach out to them and carry everyone along because whoever God has blessed, no man can curse,” he advised.
Famojuro charged the market executives to prioritise the collective interests of traders across Oyo State, stressing that peaceful coexistence and cooperation among market associations would be essential to the success of their administration. The visit ended with the market leaders reaffirming their commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote unity, peace and prosperity across markets in the state.
