Sanusi Calls For Transparency In Oyo Iyaloja General Dispute, Says Traders’ Will Must Be Respected

Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, has called for transparency in the controversy surrounding the position of Iyaloja General of Oyo State, insisting that the wishes of market traders must be respected.

Sanusi, in a public statement, said the traditional market leadership structure represented generations of commercial heritage, grassroots unity and the collective interests of traders across the state.

The controversy involves Alhaja Saratu Konibaje and Alhaja Abeo, with allegations that Konibaje’s reported unwillingness to align with Governor Seyi Makinde’s political structure contributed to the decision to recognise another person as Iyaloja General.

Sanusi said the allegations required clear and transparent explanations, rather than speculation, stressing that market leadership should not be determined by political loyalty or used to punish those who maintain political independence.

He said traders deserved to know whether established customs, selection procedures and the collective preferences of market associations had been respected in the disputed leadership decision.

According to him, the legitimacy of the Iyaloja General position should be based on recognised traditions, lawful procedures and the confidence of the market community.

Sanusi called on all parties involved to respect the independence of market associations and pursue peaceful dialogue to resolve the dispute.

“The voice of market traders matters. Their dignity matters. Their freedom of association matters. Their collective will must never be ignored,” he said.

He added that the office of Iyaloja General should serve the heritage and interests of traders, rather than become a tool for political interests.

Sanusi urged the relevant stakeholders to provide a transparent account of how the disputed leadership decision was reached, while calling for the preservation of peace and unity across Oyo State’s markets.