The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo has condemned the forceful closure of Ojuwoye market in the Odi-Olowo area of Mushin, Lagos over the weekend by the Iya-Oja of the market, Madam Mufuliat Adebunmi Abimbola.
In a statement on Sunday, the Iyaloja-General called for calm among traders, assuring them that all lawful measures would be taken to address the situation and restore normalcy.
“I want to appeal to all the traders of Ojuwoye Market to remain calm, as every lawful procedure required shall be explored to bring Mufuliat Adebunmi Abimbola and her accomplices to book,” the statement read.
The market leader explained that the controversy began on December 6, 2024, when Madam Mufuliat allegedly ordered miscreants to close down the shop of a trader in the market, Mrs. Bola Okusanya popularly known as O’baby.
She said despite efforts to mediate, Madam Mufuliat reportedly refused to heed resolutions, leaving Mrs. Okusanya unable to access her shop, which serves as her primary source of livelihood.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Iyaloja-General’s office reopened the shop on December 24, 2024. However, it was soon discovered that the shop had been vandalised and turned into what appeared to be a shrine.
“She conspired with touts and area boys to litter the shop with fetish materials and turn it into a shrine, complete with a masquerade rod and regalia, intending to intimidate Mrs. Bola,” she said.
The matter was reported to the police, and the shop was reopened again after further investigations. However, Madam Mufuliat allegedly escalated her actions, locking the shop once more and deploying a traditional masquerade, locally known as Igunnu Ko, to intimidate Mrs. Okusanya further.
The Iyaloja-General also accused Madam Mufuliat of defamation, citing false and damaging statements published in a national daily on December 31, 2024, which she claimed were aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
“These unsubstantiated statements are intended to damage my good name and cause undue embarrassment,”
She urged authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure the safety of traders in Ojuwoye Market.
“These actions pose a direct threat to the life and property of Mrs. Bola Okusanya and have created an atmosphere of fear among traders.”
