The Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, has warned against what he described as the illegal installation of a market leader in Oyo State, saying such actions have no legal or traditional approval and will not be recognised by the palace.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said the attention of the ancient palace had been drawn to the self-proclamation and installation of one Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, also known as Olaiya, as the Babaloja (market leader) of Oyo.
The Alaafin stressed that the individual did not follow due process and had no approval from the traditional authority of the Oyo Kingdom.
“The attention of the ancient Palace of Oyo has been drawn to an illegal self-proclamation, installation, and parading of one Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, a.k.a Olaiya as the Babaloja of Oyo, without due process and authorization,” the statement said.
The title of Babaloja is an important traditional position in Yoruba markets. It represents leadership over traders and market affairs, including conflict resolution, coordination of activities, and liaison with traditional rulers and government authorities.
In Yoruba land, such appointments are usually made through established traditional structures, and in most cases require the approval of the relevant monarch or council of chiefs. The process is meant to ensure order, legitimacy, and respect for traditional authority.
However, the Oyo palace said any appointment made without the consent of the Alaafin is considered invalid. It emphasised that no chieftaincy title or equivalent position within the kingdom can stand without the monarch’s approval.
“It should be noted that any chieftaincy title, or their equivalents, conferred without the approval of His Imperial Majesty and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Owoade is illegal, null, and void,” the statement added.
The palace further directed Isunmaila Kolawole Salam to stop presenting himself as the market leader, warning that his actions were not recognised and should be discontinued immediately.
“Isunmaila Kolawole Salami, a.k.a Olaiya is hereby advised to stop parading himself with unapproved market forthwith,” it said.
The statement also cautioned members of the public, especially traders and business operators, against recognising or dealing with him in any official capacity as a market leader.
“The general public is also advised not to transact, engage, or associate with the holder of illegitimate market title, as anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk,” the palace warned.
The Alaafin’s office said it would not tolerate any actions that undermine traditional authority or established cultural processes within the kingdom. It stressed that maintaining order and respect for tradition is essential to preserving peace in the community.
Oyo Kingdom, located in Oyo State, is one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Yoruba history. The Alaafin is regarded as a highly respected monarch with authority over several towns and communities within the region.
Traditional leadership in Yoruba land plays a significant role in local governance, especially in areas such as market regulation, land disputes, and community relations. Although Nigeria operates a modern democratic system, traditional rulers continue to hold influence in cultural and social matters.
In many Yoruba communities, market leadership positions like Babaloja and Iyaloja (female market leader) are considered important because markets are central to economic life. They serve as hubs for trade, employment, and community interaction.
Over the years, disputes have occasionally arisen over the appointment of market leaders in different parts of the Southwest. These disputes often involve disagreements between factions of traders, local authorities, and traditional institutions.
Such disagreements sometimes lead to parallel appointments, which can create confusion among traders and residents. Traditional rulers often intervene to restore order and clarify legitimate leadership structures.
The latest warning from the Oyo palace is seen as part of ongoing efforts to maintain authority over traditional titles and prevent unauthorized individuals from assuming roles that are not officially recognised.
While the palace has not indicated any legal action at this stage, it made it clear that it is monitoring the situation and would take steps necessary to protect the integrity of traditional processes.
For now, the message from the Alaafin is firm: only appointments made through proper channels and approved by the throne of Oyo will be recognised, and any contrary action will be considered invalid.
As markets continue to play a vital role in the economic life of Oyo State and beyond, the palace says it remains committed to ensuring stability, order and respect for traditional leadership structures.