In a development widely welcomed by traders and market stakeholders across Oyo State, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje and Princess Afolashade Abeo Nurudeen on Thursday, June 25, 2026, coincidentally reconciled and resolved their long-standing leadership dispute during the 25th Anniversary Celebration, Installation and Awards Presentation Ceremony of Ibadan South East Market Traders Association held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The event was not organized as a peace meeting or reconciliation forum. Rather, both market leaders attended the occasion as invited guests, where the atmosphere of celebration, unity, and goodwill created an opportunity for the two prominent figures to put aside their differences.
The reconciliation comes exactly two years after the Oyo State Government directed both women to stop parading themselves as the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State pending a final resolution of the leadership crisis within the state’s market structure.
Their public display of unity at the anniversary celebration sparked excitement among traders, market leaders, and guests present at the event, many of whom described the moment as historic and symbolic.
It noted that the development reflects a renewed commitment to peace, understanding, and cooperation among market stakeholders, particularly at a time when traders are yearning for greater unity within the Oyo State market leadership structure.
Market leaders present at the occasion commended the maturity and statesmanship displayed by both Alhaja Aduke and Princess Abeo, describing their decision to embrace peace as a victory for the entire market community rather than any individual interest.
Many expressed optimism that the reconciliation would help foster stronger collaboration among market leaders and ultimately contribute to the growth, development, and prosperity of markets across Oyo State.
Significantly, the moment occurred exactly two years after the government’s intervention in the leadership dispute, making the reconciliation both symbolic and memorable for many traders who have long desired an end to the crisis.
For many in attendance, what began as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Ibadan South East Market Traders Association ended with an unexpected but welcome message of peace, unity, and hope for the future of Oyo State’s market community.
