Drama has ensued in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital as two women lay claim to the title of Iyaloja General of Kwara state.
This is coming shortly after the exit of the PDP government and inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Wednesday.
The incumbent Iyaloja General of the state, Alhaja Adenike Lambe alongside Babaloja Tunde Jimoh, purported to be loyal to the immediate past government, were being challenged by the Oja-Oba market leader, Alhaja Sidi Akaje.
It was gathered that Alhaja Akaje had introduced herself as the new Iyaloja general to the governor at a function held in the palace of Emir of Ilorin on Wednesday, while supporters of Alhaja Lambe stood up against her action.
It was also gathered that Alhaja Sidi Akaje and Alhaji Abdullaahi Saad had announced on radio stations that they are the new state Iyaloja and Babaloja General respectively.
Reacting to the incident, the Iyaloja General of Kwara State, Alhaja Adenike Lambe alongside Babaloja Tunde Jimoh, condemned the development saying that the duo were only trying to cause trouble among the market people.
They said that all the markets across 16 local government areas have Iyaloja and Babaloja and there is overall Iyaloja and Babaloja General.
“We govern ourselves. We are not political association. We work with any government that assumed office. We are always in support of government.
“Those that gathered themselves to disturb the affairs of the market association are just chasing shadow.
Hajia Lambe, who urged all market traders in the state to be patient and law abiding, said that everything was under control.
“We can’t join them to disturb the affair of the state. We are ready to work with the new governor”, she said.
Also speaking, Alhaja Sidi Akaje said that she was chosen as the new market leader by the market people whom she had long standing relationship with.
Alhaja Akaje, who said that Alhaja Lambe was not removed as Iyaloja General, however, said that she would not know what would happen to her.
She said that she was appointed as the new Iyaloja General on Monday, adding that her confirmation would soon be ratified by government.
“Government has not approved me but they will soon approve me that was why I was invited to the inauguration which means that they have approved me automatically”, she said.
-Biodun Fariogun
