Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has rejected the reported recognition of Alhaja Awawu Asindemade as the Iyaloja General of the State by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, insisting that the authority to appoint the market women’s leader rests with the state government.
Adeleke, in a statement responding to the announcement from the Ataoja’s palace, reaffirmed Mrs Oyebode Mary as the duly appointed Iyaloja General of Osun State, declaring that any competing recognition outside the government’s appointment process was invalid.
The governor maintained that the state government remained the recognised authority responsible for the appointment, warning against actions capable of creating confusion among market associations and women across the state.
“Any announcement from any other quarter, including the Osogbo Royal Palace, is null and void.
“Mrs Oyebode remains the legally appointed Iyaloja General under the authority of the state government,” Adeleke stated.
He urged market associations, traders and women across Osun State to disregard any announcement recognising another individual as the Iyaloja General, stressing that Oyebode continued to enjoy the recognition and backing of his administration.
The governor further called on individuals, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to respect the law and avoid actions capable of provoking tension or disrupting public peace.
