The Conference of Iyalojas in Oyo State has warned politicians and government agencies to be vigilant on the desperation and activities of Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen, better known as Abeo Osa.
In a release jointly signed by all the Iyalojas from the 33 Local Government Councils and 5 geopolitical zones in Oyo State and made available to journalists shortly after the state meeting of the Coalition of Traders, Artisans, Market Men and Women in Oyo State, held in Ibadan on Tuesday, the Iyalojas described Abeo Osa’s activities as mad run for undeserved recognition ahead of 2023 election.
“The Conference of Iyalojas from the 33 Local Government Councils and 5 Geopolitical Zones in Oyo State wishes to categorically condemn the activities embarked on by one Princess Folashade Nurudeen who suddenly crowned herself as Iyaloja General of Oyo State late last year. Same woman through a body which is not known to the Coalition of Traders, Artisans, market men and women in Oyo State was recently announced as Iyalaje-General of Southwest States.
“The information at our disposal revealed that some fraudulent people along with minute number of conspirators are desperately working to deceive unsuspecting aspirants in the coming 2023 general elections by promising to gather reasonable number of voters among the traders, hence the need for the mad run. Like the saying of the wise, silence means consent, this phrase necessitated our decision to distance all associations under the Coalition’s umbrella of over 2.5 million traders, artisans, market men and women in Oyo State as well as our businesses which run to several billions of naira from the activities of these unknown traders parading themselves as market leaders in Oyo State.”
Meanwhile the Conference acknowledged the existence of freedom of association and expression as contained in the Nigeria Constitution, but warned those engaging in illegal and impersonating activities to desist and stop misinterpreting constitution.
“We, of course know that Nigerians enjoy freedom of association and speech, so any group of people can as well come together to form association, but they should be able to determine their boundaries so as not to transgress. Before you appoint somebody to a position in a sane society, activities of such person must have been considered from the grassroots, her locality, community, local government, before moving to state. We are not politicians, you can’t head any of our local government, not even community market without being part of the community, you must be recognized by all traders around the community. How come someone without a single shop in Oyo State, who has never attended any of our meetings in the past 10 years, would emerged as Iyaloja General of Oyo State? Our titles are not sellable and whoever attempt to do so will live to regret it, because the spirit that guides our markets will rise against him/her.
“Our decision to appoint Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje was based on her past activities and contributions to the growth and development of our markets in Oyo State. Till date, she is the major buyer of farm produce in Oyo State, anybody can investigate that from Oke-Ogun Farmers Association, likewise Ibarapa, Ogbomosoo and Oyo. In actual fact, she is the current President of Agricultural Products Sellers Association of Oyo State. She controls even Elekara Market in Oyo, where Abeo claimed to have came from. She was among the first set of traders that started Bodija International Market some decades ago.
“We therefore warn politicians, government agencies, banks, NGOs, manufacturers of beverages and consumables as well as importers and exporters of food items and the international communities to watch carefully who they will relate with on market, trade and farm issues. We are presently in unity under one umbrella in Oyo State and that is Coalition of Traders, Artisans, Market Men and Women. We are ready for challenge any time, we own the markets, we own our businesses, we are responsible for the funding of our businesses. How much will a politician give to over 2.5 million members to share or add to our businesses? But to 40 jobless busybodies romancing politicians, N100 millions is a lot, even though it will amount to a waste because there will be no result”, the statement concluded.
