Kunle Adelabu
-Kabiyesi wants younger, dynamic candidate – sources
To whom does the market belong between the traditional institution and the local government actually? Is it a reality that a party owns it and the other administers it or is it strictly under the purview of one of these institutions?
These among other questions are begging for answers as the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Area (LCDA) locks horns with the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo over the market leadership.
This development may be another long-drawn battle like the recent faceoff between the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi and the Ikorodu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, which lasted for about one year and eventually, the royal side prevailed with the installation of Deaconess (Chief) Mrs Busola Isikalu, in dual capacity of Iyaloja – General of Ikorodu and that of the Ikorodu – Division, against the council’s candidate, Chief (Mrs) Bukola Osho, who was made the Deputy Iyaloja of Ikorodu.
THE IMPACT gathered that a process to select the new Iyaloja General of Igbogbo begun shortly after the death of late Chief (Mrs) Rachel Obayomi, who died August 27 at 92 years.
It was gathered that the market leadership led by the former Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and the Babaloja – General, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, had been advised to ensure that a new Iyaloja was installed on the eve of the burial of late Chief Obayomi to prevent a vacuum and afford unnecessary crisis.
Unfortunately, that was unable to be achieved due to vested interests and jostling for the vacant position.
Among interested candidates are the two leading contenders – Lion (Alhaja) Princess Ashake Modinat Wahab, business woman and Kampala fabrics dealer and Chief (Mrs) Mojisola Oyesanya, the Deputy Iyaloja – General of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and Iyaloja of Sosanya Market. While we reliably gathered that the Adeboruwa Palace is supporting the candidature of Lion Ashake Wahab, the Chairman and members of the political class in Igbogbo are behind the candidature of Chief Oyesanya.
It was gathered that the palace clearly made its interest known to the council administration, believing that the chairman would out of respect and relationship accord it the due honour, unfortunately, that was not the case at a press conference called on Tuesday by the Chairman.
Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA had in a video that was circulated after the stakeholders’ meeting/press conference on the social media announced Chief (Mrs) Mojisola Oyesanya, the Iyaloja of Sosanya Market in Ibeshe as the acting Iyaloja – General of the Igbogbo Bayeku LCDA.
The council boss said that he was acting on the advice of the Secretary to the Lagos State Market Board who was also at the meeting.
At the meeting were the representative of the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Richard Ogunsanya and the representative of Fidimolu of Elepe, Oba Ganiyu Omotayo, who the council chairman recognized but failed to recognize the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, who did not send any representative.
THE IMPACT gathered that a delegation of the Adeboruwa – in – Council was prepared for the briefing, but was recalled by the Adeboruwa with strict instruction that they must not attend because the meeting/press conference and the decision therefrom is contrary to the understanding that the Adeboruwa has with the chairman.
Also, in attendance at the meeting held at the Council Secretariat, were Vice-Chairman, the Legislative Arm of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Management Staff, Supervisors, and officers from the Department of State Services in Lagos State, and the Nigerian Police Force, Ikorodu Division alongside other stakeholders.
In a release sent to THE IMPACT by Mr Seun Ajayi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman after our reporter was unable to reach his boss, it was said that Mr. James Kakawa, Director of Lagos State Market Development and Secretary to the Lagos State Market Advisory Board under the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, provided critical insights, guidelines and procedure as stated in relevant laws of the state and constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as the responsibility of the Local Government in the transition process.
According to the statement, “Kakawa explained that under the existing guidelines, the Deputy Iya-Oloja General is expected to assume the role of Acting Iya-Oloja General when the position becomes vacant due to the death of the incumbent. This interim leadership allows the executive of the Market Association sufficient time to deliberate and propose a new candidate to the LCDA for a substantive position.
“Constitutionally, the Market Association is an extension of the Local Government/Local Council Development Area, and before a new Iya-Oloja emerges, the Executive body of the Market Association will meet to decide on a new Iya-Oloja General who must be a prominent member of the association and a regular attendee of the Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA Market Advisory Council among other criteria”, it stated.
The statement furthered with details from the Secretary of the Market Board, “Once their decision is made, the proposal is forwarded to the LCDA, which reviews the parameters of their choice. The LCDA also considers input from traditional institutions, whose interest in the process is channeled through the council’s leadership, as they hold the final decision to approve the appointment.”
Although Chief (Mrs) Oyesanya was announced as the interim Iyaloja, but it was gathered that the council is working towards perfecting her conversion into a full – fledged and substantive position. This we were informed reliably, has been perfected with necessary stakeholders including the council’s legislative arm, management team, political class and strategic community leaders.
The Adeboruwa Palace, on its own, it was also revealed is also prepared to ensure that its interest is protected and has been making necessary contacts in ensuring that its preferred candidate emerges in the substantive Iyaloja – General position.
When contacted, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo was not available for comment on the matter but sources within the palace informed THE IMPACT that the royal father is solidly standing by the choice of Lion Ashake Wahab.
He said that Kabiyesi will not join issue with the council chairman on the matter.
One of the sources informed our reporter that Kabiyesi is standing by her because she is the preferred candidate by the market selection committee.
In addition, the source said:
“Iyaloja’s position is a very sensitive one and requires energy. We need someone youthful and dynamic in such a position.
What we should be after is competence, dynamism and connections, which Lion Ashake Wahab possesses and that is the concern of Kabiyesi.”
He cited the example of the Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division who also doubled as the Iyaloja General of Ikorodu, Deaconess (Chief) Mrs Busola Isikalu and other communities.
The other source jn confirming the faceoff said emphatically, “Kabiyesi is standing by his choice because it is in the interest of the community.
“What happened at the Secretariat is confrontational and needless because the council chairman has already been informed about the decision of the market leadership which Kabiyesi is in full support of.
“To go against that is wrong because, traditional rulers are the owners of markets which is why they are known as ‘Oloja’, he added.
It was also gathered that the Adeboruwa – in – Council led by the Odofin of Igbogbo, High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, and other critical stakeholders are intervening in the matter that has generated serious reactions.
When contacted, Odofin Onasanya, told our reporter that he cannot speak on the highly controversial matter until it is resolved.
He assured that the Adeboruwa – in – Council and other stakeholders are intervening in the matter.
When contacted, Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, Babaloja – General said he was not in town and asked our reporter to check back.
