Members of the Authentic Mogajis of Ibadanland, on Friday, openly endorsed the candidature of the Iyaloja General Designate of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen, in Ibadan, saying she is capable and fit for the position.
Speaking during a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the Chairman, Authentic Mogajis of Ibadanland, Mogaji Musiliu Olaonumi Aperin, affirmed that the leadership of the group, as well as its members, believe in the ability of Princess Abeo to lead the entire market men and women in the state.
He said the support given to Abeo was borne out of her sterling qualities, which qualified her for the exalted position of the Iyaloja General among others contesting for the same position.
The chairman expressed surprise to the current logjam being experienced in the leadership tussle despite the installation of Abeo by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, calling on those concerned to do the needful.
In the same vein, the Spokesperson of the organisation, Mogaji Olawale Oladoja, while speaking on the development, appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to officially present Certificate of Recognition to the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, adding that the buck stops on his table.
He said Abeo is eminently qualified to be in the position owing to her high level of education, exposure and her business acumen over the years.
Mogaji Oladoja further maintain that while the office of Babaloja-General, now occupied by Alhaji Y. K. Abass was zoned to Ibadan, that of Iyaloja-General is important to be zoned to Oyo, where Princess Abeo hails from in order to engender equitable distribution of the offices.
“As things stand in Oyo State, as at today, Governor is an indigene of Ibadan while the Deputy Governor is from Oke Ogun. The Speaker is from Ibarapa and Chief of Staff is from Ogbomoso. The SSG hailed from Iseyin, Chief Judge from Ibadan, Babaloja, also from Ibadan, where is now the space for representation from Oyo?
“I believe Governor Makinde will, in the next couple of days, revalidate the mandate given freely to you.
“I want to challenge anybody who have contrary explanations to my analysis to please come out, as I will never allow anyone to dent the image of Governor Seyi Makinde,” he said.
He attributed the ongoing crisis to handiwork of political jobbers, who are planning to snatch the political structure of governor Makinde, adding that God will not allow such to happen.
He expressed optimism that the governor will hand over the much-expected certificate to Folasade Abeo as Iyaloja-General of Oyo State.
Also, Mogaji Ifalere Ifagbenro and Mogaji Omiyale lauded the strong character of Folashade Abeo and promised to stand with her, especially at this time of great challenges.
Mogaji Fatai Kolawole Lamolo and Mogaji Gbadegesin Ajalaruru, in their seperate remarks, extolled the virtues of Iyaloja General, Folashade Abeo, and his contribution to socio econmic development of Oyo State.
Responding, Princess Folashade Abeo appreciated members of the group for their open display of support and encouragement.
She said the mandate originally given to her by market men and women in Oyo state will be adequately protected and retrieved as the case may be.
She recounted the processes that led to her emergence and expressed confidence that the mandate will be reclaimed.
It would be recalled that the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III installed Princess Abeo as the Iyaloja-General of Oyo state on April 26, 2021, following her recommendation by the Oyo State Market Leaders Council in due compliance with the existing zoning formula to engender equity, fairness, and justice.
