Mowe, Obafemi Owode – The Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has suspended all activities of the Iyaloja (market leader) in Mowe Market for six months following a leadership tussle between two factions.
The decision was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by security agencies, traditional leaders, and government officials. The crisis stemmed from protests by the Association of Mowe Market Men and Women, who accused the Iyaloja of imposing excessive levies and extorting traders.
Amb. Ogunsola emphasized that the suspension was necessary to restore peace, warning that anyone who flouts the order will face sanctions. He clarified that the installation of an Iyaloja is the responsibility of traditional chiefs, not the local government, but stated that the council would not allow the dispute to threaten public order.
A seven-member caretaker committee was inaugurated to oversee market activities during the suspension period. The committee includes Chief Nurudeen Aina Alowonle (Chairman), Chief Ajobola Olanrewaju (Secretary), and other community representatives.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were directed to enforce the suspension.
The council boss noted that previous mediation efforts had failed, necessitating the drastic measure.
Attendees at the meeting included CSP Afeniforo Folake (DPO, Mowe Division), DSS representative Mr. Okunade, and officials from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others.
The suspension takes immediate effect from April 29, 2025.
