Scores of traders in Oyo state under the umbrella of the Coalition of Market Groups of Oyo state on Tuesday stormed the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Iyaganku to register their displeasure over alleged imposition of Babaloja-General of Oyo State by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

Oba Adetunji had in last month installed Chief Yekini Abass as the Babaloja of Oyo state, the development which has led to division among the traders who claimed the installation of Babaloja of the state is not the duty of the monarch.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that the groups which have their representatives at the rally from all the zones in the state said if the Oyo state government ratified the imposed Babaloja on the people, the coalition would install Babaloja in all the major markets in the state.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of other traders, Oyo State Market Men and Women, the President, Oyo State Traders, Alhaji Dauda Abiodun Oladepo explained that Olubadan in his later dated July 16, promised not to interfere in the internal affairs of Traders. 

He noted that the unions were surprised to discover that he is now imposing Babaloja-general of the state on the people rather than maintaining his stand on the said issue. 

While commending the State Governor, Seyi Makinde for his leadership style, the traders said due process must be observed adding that the leadership of the Association had elected a new leader before the new decision by the Olubadan of Ibadan.

Reacting to the allegations, the monarch through his spokesman, Adeola Oloke said the protesters are aggrieved because they were not favoured by the choice of the Alhaji Yekini Abass.

He said the market leadership is an extension of traditional institutions; therefore the monarch has done the right thing by installing the right person as the babaloja-general of Oyo state.