Monday 27th April 2026, the market council in Oyo State has recorded a historic milestone with the presentation and recognition of Chief Ismail Kolawole AbdulSalam, popularly known as OlaIya, as the first Babaloja of Oyo Zone.
The endorsement was made by the recognised market traders and artisans clusters operating under the umbrella of the Amalgamation of Oyo Market Traders and Artisans, representing stakeholders across Oyo Zone.
The groups under the amalgamation include Oyo State Market Men and Women, Oyo State Joint Traders Association, NATMAC, Oyo State Joint Traders, NYTACHAI, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANT), Associated Commodity, OSATRIN and Companion.
Also present at the recognition process were prominent market leaders from the 12 recognised Market Traders and Artisans clusters in the state, including Chief (Mrs) J. T. Raimi, Chief (Mrs) Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, Alhaji S.A. Jimoh, Alhaji Hazmat Yisau, Al Afusat Adebiyi Mr Taiwo Ige among others.
According to the constitution guiding the market councils, the process for selecting a Babaloja or Iyaloja involves nomination, recognition and decoration. Following due documentation, the President of the Amalgamation, Alhaji Ajibola Kazeem, formally presented Chief AbdulSalam as the consensus candidate agreed upon by stakeholders across the four local governments in Oyo Zone.
After extensive deliberations and screening, the state leadership unanimously approved the nomination and officially recognised Chief AbdulSalam as the first Babaloja of Oyo Zone, with all stakeholders appending their signatures in support of the decision.
In their separate remarks, members of the market councils urged traders in Oyo Zone to remain united and avoid acts capable of causing division. They also advised the new Babaloja to see his emergence as a call to service, maintain harmony among members and lead with humility.
Responding, Chief AbdulSalam accepted the honour and pledged to promote unity and development across markets in Oyo Zone and the wider Oyo State. He said his administration would prioritise personal growth and empowerment for traders and artisans, noting that he has long been part of the market system in Oyo Zone, Oyo State and Nigeria.
Chief AbdulSalam is a commodity supplier, poultry farmer, transporter, car dealer and philanthropist.
The decoration shall be done by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Ameen Owoade very soon.
Report By 9ja News 24/7
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