SOJI AJIBOLA, IBADAN
Crisis is brewing at various markets in Ibadanland following the reported indefinite suspension of Iyaloja-General, Chief Mrs Iswiat Ameringun, by the Coalition of traders, artisans, market men and women in Oyo State.
The development was part of the resolutions of the emergency meeting held on Wednesday in Ibadan by the coalition.
Chief Mrs Ameringun was accused of not representing the interest of market men and women in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.
The suspension order was contained in a petition signed by all Iyalojas in all 11 local government areas of Ibadanland. She had since been replaced by Alhaja Saarat Olorunero in an acting capacity.
Also, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje has been confirmed as the next Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, having been the Otun Iyaloja General of the state due to rotational arrangement agreed to by all the Iyalojas and Babalojas from the 33 local governments areas of the state.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Aderemi Jimoh noted that the congress became necessary in order to discuss some crucial and important reasons, especially the lingering issues affecting the development and progress of the associations.
He also said that the convergence also discussed some crucial and important issues such as the state of the associations, especially the lingering issues affecting the development and progress of the associations; to make an announcement on some decisions, including appointments to move the associations forward, and to discuss the future of traders businesses and associations and lastly all other necessary matters.
In her remark, the Southwest Coordinator of the National Association of Nigeria Traders, Chief Mrs Odunayo Danjuma noted that Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters is the ministry responsible for the traditional matters, while the Ministry for Trade and Commerce is for the market men and women.
She noted that market men and women are not under the authority of any chieftaincy law because “we are registered under Cooperate Affairs Corporation (CAC)”. She added that they were ready to defend the constitution of traders in the state and Nigeria at large.