From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, has resolved to set up a committee to look into the crisis rocking Ibadan Market Traders Association under the leadership of the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief Labake Lawal.
Daily Sun gathered that members of the association had, last Thursday, besieged the palace of the monarch at Popoyemoja, Ibadan, during which the market leaders took turns to explain their own sides of the story in the crisis.
The Olubadan, after hearing from the market leaders, said the Iyaloja issue deserved thorough investigation, and added that a committee, which will comprise three or four persons, who are independent of the matter, would be constituted soon.
“I believe thorough investigation into the matter will return peace to the market and strengthen the unity and indivisibility of the traders, who have been polarised,” he said.
The monarch directed the market leaders to submit their petition and all relevant documents to the secretary to the Olubadan-in-Council, with a view to attending to the matter.
A section of the traders had allegedly removed Lawal as Iyaloja over allegations of fraud and high-handedness. But, another section of the market dismissed the removal, with Lawal insisting she remained Iyaloja of Ibadanland.
Meanwhile, Oba Adetunji has replaced Baale Oloode in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state, Chief Odeyemi Dauda Olayiwola.
No reason was given for his removal.
But, Daily Sun investigation revealed that the removal of the Lagos-based auto dealer might not be unconnected with allegations of high-handedness and rituals, culminating in endless litigations and security harassment.
The monarch was said to have appealed to the removed Baale to reconcile with his community over the lingering crisis.
But the efforts, as gathered, did not yield positive dividends.