The Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry (MITC&I) have clarified its role in the emergence and activities of the Babaloja-General-in-Council, dismissing allegations of interference in market leadership affairs across Oyo state.
In a statement issued by the ministry Saturday , officials of the ministries described as misleading recent reports suggesting that the state government and the Commissioner for Trade had meddled in traders’ internal affairs.
The ministry noted that its involvement has always been in line with its statutory responsibilities and relevant laws guiding market administration in Oyo State.
According to the ministry, the leadership dispute surrounding the office of the Babaloja-General originated from a judgment delivered by the Oyo State High Court on June 17, 2022.
The court reportedly nullified a previous arrangement and affirmed that the selection of a Babaloja-General rests solely with the recognized Market Leaders’ Council.
Following the judgment, the ministry said it sought legal guidance from the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, which advised that the Market Leaders’ Council should commence a fresh, transparent and inclusive process for selecting market leadership in accordance with due process and judicial directives.
The ministry explained that the council subsequently reconvened and conducted an internal selection process. During the exercise, eight of the twelve council members voted in favour of Alhaji (Chief) Yekini Abass Oladapo as Babaloja-General of Oyo State.
The outcome was later approved by Governor Seyi Makinde and formalized through the issuance of a Certificate of Recognition in November 2022.
Officials further noted that the process was supported by extensive consultations involving market stakeholders across the state’s 33 local government areas. The consultations, they said, were aimed at strengthening communication, promoting government economic initiatives and obtaining feedback from traders.
The ministry added that subsequent requests for statewide market consultations, including one submitted in November 2025, received official approval and were monitored by designated government representatives to ensure transparency, professionalism and compliance with established procedures.
Reaffirming its position, the ministry stressed that the government neither imposed any candidate nor influenced the decisions of traders’ representatives. It pledged continued support for peaceful and orderly market administration, insisting that all actions taken have been guided by court rulings, existing laws and the broader public interest.