After six years of impasse, the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Asiwaju Yekini Abass Oladapo, popularly known as Y.K Abass, as the first Babaloja-General of Oyo State.
The presentation of articles of appointment to the new Babaloja-General, which took place at the Ministry of Trade, Industry Investment and Cooperatives on Friday was as a result of the ratification by the state Market Leaders’ Council of Oladapo as the first Babaloja-General of Oyo State at its meeting, which was held on 27th of September, 2022.
Presenting the Certificate of Recognition and Letter of Appointment to Oladapo, the state Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Chief Bayo Lawal, said due process was followed as dictated by the court of law.
He said, “The issue before us today has started since 2013, that is the appointment of Babaloja-General of Oyo State, but I will say that I am glad that with the help of God, and also that of my principal, His Excellency, Engr.Seyi Makinde, we are able to achieve the seemingly unachievable and today, despite all the crisis, we are able to follow due process as dictated by the court and judgement interpreted by the Ministry of Justice, we are able to produce Babaloja General of Oyo State.”
Congratulating Oladapo on the well deserved appointment, Chief Lawal advised him to embrace all the participants in the race and see everyone as his subjects so as to succeed in the new position.
In his acceptance speech, the first Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Oladapo, expressed his gratitude to Almighty God for making it possible for him and to Governor Makinde for handing over the baton of the affairs of all markets in the state to him.
He promised to use his wealth of experience of the growth of the markets, economy of the state and the general welfare of all traders in the state, assuring that peace and harmony will return to the markets very soon.
Alhaji Oladapo therefore solicited for maximum support and cooperation from all stakeholders in piloting the affairs of the traders and markets in general as he can only achieve success through their cooperation and support.
In attendance were the officials of the state Ministry of Trade, Industry Investment and Cooperatives, Aare Musulumi of Edo, Delta and Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola, ably represented by Alhaji Muniru Ogundipe, Alhaji Hamzat Kolayode Yisau, President Trademen and Artisan of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Labake Lawal, the President of Oyo State Joint Traders Associations and Alhaji Najeem Amole.
