Oyo Govt Inaugurates Babaloja General-in-Council to Strengthen Market Leadership

 Oyo Govt Inaugurates Babaloja General-in-Council to Strengthen Market Leadership

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated the Babaloja General-in-Council as part of efforts to strengthen market leadership, promote unity among traders, and enhance coordination across markets in the state.

The inauguration, facilitated through the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, was held on Monday at the Ministry’s Conference Room and attracted market leaders from the seven geopolitical zones of the state, including Ibadan Zones 1 and 2, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Oyo, and Oke-Ogun Zones 1 and 2.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Olabode Adebisi, said the establishment of the Council followed a formal request by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, for a unified structure to coordinate market leadership statewide.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry directed the Babaloja General to embark on sensitisation programmes across the geopolitical zones, noting that the initiative received broad acceptance and support from traders.

Adebisi explained that the Council would serve as a central voice for traders, improve communication between the government and market stakeholders, and promote peace and orderliness across markets in the state.

Declaring the Council inaugurated on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner described the governor as a pacesetter committed to inclusive governance and sustainable economic development.

He also warned that the government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peaceful coexistence among traders, stressing that the inauguration marked a significant step toward resolving longstanding crises within market associations in the state.

In his remarks, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, commended the state government and the Ministry for facilitating what he described as a historic initiative aimed at unifying traders across all zones of the state.

He assured that the Council would work towards strengthening market structures, resolving disputes amicably, and supporting policies that would drive economic growth and development in Oyo State.

Following the inauguration, traders and members of the Council paid an appreciation visit to the Ministry, where they were received by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade.

The Permanent Secretary stated that government engagement with market associations would continue to be guided by due process, structured policies, and proper coordination to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for traders to thrive through collaboration and open governance.

The visit ended on a celebratory note as traders thronged the Ministry with drumming, singing, and dancing in appreciation of the government’s efforts toward promoting unity and stability among market associations across Oyo State.