An unending battle between two notable businesswomen who have locked horns over who is the authentic Iyaloja-General of Oyo State reached its peak recently with the governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde ordering Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje and Princess Afolashade Abeo Nurudeen to both stop identifying and parading themselves as the Iyaloja-General of the state.
The state Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperative, Otunba Ademola Ojo who conveyed the governor’s message to expanded stakeholders of the market leaders council on Friday equally told the duo to refrain from parading themselves as such pending when a final resolution would be reached and a name officially announced by the government.
He said the governor is unimpressed with what’s going on within the Oyo state market leaders council and has given his orders for immediate compliance by all stakeholders. Anyone found flouting this order will be treated accordingly.
ALHAJA SARATU ADUKE
The latest development comes amidst a deep-rooted battle over the leadership of the market women associations in the state between Alhaja Aduke and Princess Abeo. For years now, both women have laid claim to the title and have identified themselves separately as the Iyaloja-General at both public and private functions. The battle degenerated over time, defying all attempts at resolution. It has been speculated that there is an ethnic and political colouration to the crisis, with the Governor facing a huge task in solving it.
PRINCESS AFOLASHADE ABEO
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting both factional market leaders, Princess Afolashade Abeo and Alhaja Aduke expressed enthusiasm and commended the commissioner for his immense wisdom in crisis management describing the meeting as epochal and unprecedented in the history of the ministry. They thanked the Governor and promised to abide by his order.
In a very rare occasion, they also shared pleasantries and assured all of their full compliance with the governor’s order and cooperation with the reconciliation process.