The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has pledged his royal support towards strengthening the security architecture in Oyo State, emphasizing its importance in addressing the escalating food prices caused by insecurity.
The monarch made this pledge during a courtesy visit by the Oyo State Market Leaders Council, led by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwaju Yekeen Abass, at his Boroboro Palace in the historic town of Oyo.
The delegation comprised representatives of market leaders, cluster groups, tradesmen, and artisans from across the seven geopolitical zones of the state — Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomosho, Ibarapa, and Oke-Ogun 1 & 2.
Oba Owoade thanked the delegation for the homage and expressed his readiness to collaborate with both state and federal authorities to boost security, thereby ensuring smooth trading activities and better access to affordable food for residents.
The visit also served as a reconciliation platform, where all factions within the trading community came together to discuss unity and the future of commerce in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Asiwaju Yekeen Abass explained that the visit was to pay homage to the newly installed Alaafin and seek his support in ensuring a peaceful and crisis-free trading environment. He also briefed the monarch on the challenges faced by traders in transporting farm produce to markets across the state.
In a goodwill message, the President of Artisans and Tradesmen in Oyo State, Chief Yisau Hamzat, noted that the visit had successfully unified market leaders and resolved long-standing issues among them.
Two prominent women leaders, Alhaja Saratu Konibaje and Princess Folasade Abeo, told newsmen that the homage-paying event marked the end of the leadership crisis within the women’s forum of the traders’ association.
The Alaafin reaffirmed his commitment to peace, development, and economic growth through royal intervention in matters affecting the grassroots.
