Stakeholders in Oyo state including Chiefs, Baales and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland have urged the Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to ratify the election that produced Alhaja Saratu Konibaje as the Iyaloja-General of Oyo state.
They also called on people of the state to call the self-acclaimed Iyaloja-General, Folashade Abeo to order.
Recall that Abeo in a statement said, “Oyo state belongs to all zones in the state. So, it would be fair, just, and equitable if another zone is allowed to produce the state’s Iyaloja general, given that the Oyo state government has formally recognised Mr. Y.K. Abass as the Babaloja General, who is from Ibadan.”
But a statement by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative said the position of Iyaloja-General has nothing to do with where someone comes from but due process.
He wondered why only two blocks supporting Abeo will supersede seven blocks who voted for Konibaje as the Iyaloja-General of the state.
The statement read in part: “The perceived Abeo’s desperation is a clear indication that she has nothing to offer market men and women across the state. From all indications, she is not worthy of the post she is seeking for.
“Does Iyaloja tussle have to do with the town you come from or someone following due process? There is nothing special if the market men and women themselves decide that this is what they want, is this all about hatred for Ibadan?
“All market men and women have decided to choose Konibaje who was the Otun (second in command) Iyaloja general of Oyo State when Mama KolaDaisi, the then Iyaloja of Oyo State was alive.
“Aside from being the second in command before the demise of Mama KolaDaisi, Konibaje also followed due process supervised by the state government.”
“Konibaje letter was singed and endorsed by seven out of the nine blocks that make up market men and women across the state.
“We want the government to confirm Konibaje, this is the position of Ibadanland and Oyo state people as a whole.”
