From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State Adesina Lanre Ogunsola, has ordered the two feuding female market leaders (Iyaloja) in Mowe Market in the LG to cease their activities for six months.
The suspension order, which was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Information of the local government, Segun Soneye and made available to newsmen on Friday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, followed a protracted tussle between two factions over the position of leader of the market.
The Director of Information of the LG, explained that Ogunsola made the proclamation in a meeting in his office attended by the top personnel of the Area Command and Divisions of Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security Services (DSS) National Orientation Agency (NOA), Community and Traditional Chiefs, and other stakeholders in Obafemi Owode Local Government area.
The tussle, according to Soneye, had sparked a protest by the Association of Mowe Market Men and Women condemning the ill treatment meted out to its members by the suspended leaders.
He further said that the market association alleged that traders in the market have been subjected to extortion and collection of exorbitant levies.
He, however, pointed out that the leadership of the local government had mediated in the matter many times to broker peace but all proved abortive, hence, the suspension order.
He added that the LG boss ordered the security agencies to be on the look out for anyone or group of people who violate his order, declaring that “no one is permitted to carry out any activities of Iyaloja within Mowe market throughout the six months of suspension of Iyaloja activity in Mowe Market in order to maintain peace and order”.
“As we all know that the Obafemi Owode Local Government is a gateway to many cities and states in the southwest, we cannot fold our arms and allow things to degenerate before we take necessary action”.
“Installation of Iyaloja is not the business of the local government, rather, it is the duty of the traditional chiefs to choose their Iyaloja. And as a government, we can’t allow selfish interest to overrule the peace and security of our people, and I hereby pronounce the activities of Iyaloja in the Mowe market suspended for six months”, the LG was quoted to have said in the statement.
Meanwhile, the local government chairman has constituted a 7-man caretaker committee to act within the six months.
The 7-man Committee according to Soneye are Nurudeen Aina Alowonle, Babaloja of Mowe Market as Chairman, Ajobola Olanrewaju as Secretary Mrs Ganiyat Ogunleye, Olusegun Adebayo, Rasidi Adenekan, and the Director of Finance in the LG, Opeodu Rotimi as members.