The Oyo State House of Assembly has intervened to halt plans for a fresh election for the position of Iyaloja-General of the state, effectively preventing the removal of Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, who was duly elected by the majority of traders.
According to Tribune Online, the intervention came after a faction within the traders’ association sought to overturn Konibaje’s election and install their preferred candidate, Princess Folashade Abeo.
This dispute had sparked tension and unrest among traders across the state.
The Assembly, led by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin and Deputy Speaker Muhammed Fadeyi, met with representatives from both sides and concluded that a fresh election was unnecessary and unjustified.
They cited the court judgment that prohibits traditional rulers from interfering in the election process for Iyaloja and Babaloja.
“Some lawmakers at the meeting described the call for another election as an injustice and misguided attempt to silence the voice of the majority who freely chose and aligned themselves with Saratu Konibaje in the April, 2022 contest,” said a source at the meeting.
Additionally, the Assembly presented evidence demonstrating that Konibaje had indeed secured the majority of votes in the previous election. This finding was corroborated by a letter signed by 10 of the 12 leaders of the Oyo State Markets’ Association, who reaffirmed their support for Konibaje.
In light of these developments, the Assembly decided to halt the proposed fresh election and urged the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to issue a certificate of recognition to Konibaje as the legitimate Iyaloja-General of Oyo State.
The Assembly’s decision has been welcomed by Konibaje’s supporters, who praised the lawmakers for upholding the principles of fair elections and respecting the will of the majority. They expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his intervention in the matter.
