The lingering leadership crisis among traders and artisans in Oyo State has finally been resolved following a peace accord ratified by the leadership of the twelve (12) registered clusters that make up the Oyo State Market Leaders Council.
The resolution was reached at a joint meeting held on October 9, 2025, at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, with all major stakeholders in attendance, including the presidents of the 12 clusters, the Babaloja and Iyaloja representatives from the 33 local government areas, and five delegates from each cluster.
The meeting, convened at the directive of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, aimed at fostering peace among the warring factions of traders and artisans ahead of the monarch’s coronation.
According to the communiqué jointly signed by the twelve cluster leaders, the Olubadan had earlier mandated all market leaders in the state to resolve their internal grievances before his coronation ceremony. He appointed Alhaji Yisau Kolawole Amusat and Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Kayode Danjuma to anchor the reconciliation process — a task they commenced immediately with 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 communique stated.
One of the key issues discussed was the controversy surrounding the title of Aare Babaloja-General of Oyo State, requested by the camp of Alhaji S.A. Jimoh. After extensive deliberations, the larger house — comprising the presidents of the 12 clusters, the Babaloja and Iyaloja representatives across the 33 local governments, and five representatives from each cluster — unanimously rejected the creation of a new title that could cause further division.
Instead, the house agreed to honour Alhaji S. A. Jimoh with the title of Aare Babaloja of Oyo State, noting that it would not conflict with or contest the existing Babaloja-General of Oyo State title already conferred and certificated in favour of Alhaji Y.K. Abass.
Both titles, according to the communique, would henceforth operate under the unified umbrella of the Oyo State Market Leaders Council to ensure inclusivity, harmony, and stability within the leadership structure of traders in the state.
Another major highlight of the meeting was the collective decision by all factions to withdraw all pending criminal and civil cases related to the leadership tussle across the state.
“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 statement read.
The traders further resolved to work harmoniously and promote unity among themselves for the growth of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
“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,” the communique added.
The leadership also expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives for its consistent role in mediating the crisis and called on the ministry to speed up the inauguration of the Oyo State Market Leaders Council to ensure effective administration of traders’ and artisans’ affairs across the state.
The communique was jointly signed by the following twelve cluster presidents: Alhaji Yisau Kolawole Hamzat, President, Oyo State Tradesmen and Artisans, Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Alhaji Dauda Abiodun Oladepo, President, Ibadan Joint Traders Association, Chief (Mrs.) J.T. Raimi, President, Associated Commodity and Foodstuff of Nigeria, Alhaja Amudalat Iyadunni Lawal, President, Oyo State Food Canteen Workers Union and Chief (Mrs.) Labake Patience Lawal, President, Joint Traders Association of Oyo State
Others were Alhaji Mogaji Kamorudeen Salawudeen, President, Progressive Tradesmen and Artisans of Oyo State, Alhaja (Chief) Afusat Adebiyi, President, National Traders and Market Leaders Council, Alhaji Najim Amole Azeez, President, National Youth Traders Action Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Malik Jubril Babasale, President, Companion Traders Association, Chief (Mrs.) Stella Olabode, President, Oyo State Association of Traders in Nigeria and Alhaji (Chief) S.A. Jimoh, President, Oyo State Market Men and Women
With these resolutions and reconciliations now formally ratified, the leadership of traders and artisans in Oyo State say they are turning a new page of unity, peace, and cooperation. The council reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the state government to ensure that the market community continues to contribute meaningfully to Oyo State’s economic development.
