By, Olawale Ogunbusola

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

The inauguration, carried out through the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, took place at the office of the Honourable Commissioner on Monday, and drew market leaders from the seven geopolitical zones of the state- Ibadan Zones 1 and 2, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Oyo, and Oke-Ogun Zones 1 and 2.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Olabode Adebisi, said the constitution of the Council followed a formal request by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, for a unified structure for market leadership across the state.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry directed the Babaloja General to embark on sensitisation programmes across all geopolitical zones, noting that the exercise received widespread acceptance and support from traders.

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

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

He warned that the government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peaceful coexistence among traders, stressing that the inauguration marked a significant step towards 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 emphasized that government engagement with market associations is 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 was marked by jubilation as traders thronged the Ministry with drumming, singing, and dancing in appreciation of the government’s efforts towards promoting unity and stability among market associations across the state.