By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Oyo State Government has formally recognised four prominent market leaders with appointments to key trade leadership positions, naming Princess Folashade Azeezat Nurudeen as Iyaloja-General and Alhaji Y.K. Abass as Babaloja-General of the state.
The appointments, approved by Governor Seyi Makinde, also include S.T. Jimoh as Aare Oloja of Oyo State and J.T. Raimi as Asiwaju Oloja of Oyo State.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced the appointments on Friday, October 16, 2026, explaining that the decisions were communicated through an official document from the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Demola Ojo.
According to the state government, the appointments recognise the contributions of the four market leaders to trade and commerce, particularly their roles in coordinating trading committees across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas.
The government said the appointments were intended to promote unity, cooperation and harmony among trade associations, while strengthening the organisation of the state’s commercial sector and supporting economic growth.
READ ALSO:2027 Elections: Tinubu Nominates Six Officials for INEC
Oyelade described the appointees as experienced merchants with considerable influence in the state’s trading community. He expressed confidence that their experience and commitment to commercial development would provide positive examples for other stakeholders in the sector.
He also urged traders across the state to cooperate with the newly appointed leaders, stressing the importance of collective efforts in advancing trade, improving market administration and contributing to Oyo State’s economic development.
At the presentation of the appointment letters, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, charged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by the government and market stakeholders.
Adelabu urged the new appointees to discharge their responsibilities diligently and work towards strengthening the organisation and administration of markets across the state.
The appointments are expected to provide a framework for improved coordination among market associations and strengthen engagement between traders and the state government on issues affecting commerce and livelihoods across Oyo State.
