The Otun Babaloja of Sasa Market, Osogbo, and official representative of the Ataoja of Osogboland in all markets across Osogbo and its environs, Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe, has firmly denied the circulating rumours suggesting that livestock sellers are being forcibly relocated from their current location at Oja-Oba Market to Gbagi Larooye Market in Owode, along Ilesa Road.
Addressing the issue, Chief Efe described the reports as false, misleading, and the handiwork of detractors who do not wish Osogbo well. He emphasized that there is no directive from the palace or the Ataoja of Osogboland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, to evict or chase out the livestock sellers from their present settlement.
“There is no truth in the claim that these traders are being forced out. The Ataoja, in his wisdom and long-term vision for the development of Osogbo, has only made provisions for a future expansion by allocating a reserved land to the livestock sellers at the Gbagi Larooye Market, Owode, which is adjacent to land allocated to the Hausa community,” Chief Efe clarified.
He recalled a recent meeting held with the livestock sellers at Oja-Oba, during which he relayed the Ataoja’s plans and encouragement for future expansion. The new land, according to Efe, was generously allocated during the lifetime of the late Asiwaju Ajadi Badmus, and the livestock sellers were never instructed to relocate immediately.
Chief Efe further noted that the livestock sellers expressed their appreciation during the meeting and even offered him a traditional honorarium of ₦5,000 as a visiting chief—an offer he initially declined but later accepted following their insistence.
He also commended the livestock traders for their support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid, stating that their loyalty and alignment with the development vision for Osogbo are commendable.
Efe encouraged the traders to continue their plan to formally visit the Ataoja’s palace to show appreciation for the allocation of the land, which forms part of the long-term strategy to organize market operations in the city and prepare for future growth.
Chief Efe also used the opportunity to appeal to His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II to continue his unrelenting efforts towards the progress of Osogboland. He specifically urged the monarch to consider allocating land for a modern market space for the Sasa Market near the Federal Secretariat area of Osogbo, which is now surrounded by key developments including the Army Depot and the Air Force Base.
“The Sasa Market is currently congested, and considering the surrounding infrastructural developments, it is only wise that we start planning for a modern market with proper gates and facilities,” Efe noted.
He also stressed the need for long-term plans for Igbona Market, which he says is rapidly developing under the reign of the current Ataoja.
Reflecting on the words of HRM Oba Oyewale Matanmi, the immediate past Ataoja of Osogbo, Chief Efe reminded residents of Osogbo of the importance of being ready to embrace development and, if necessary, make sacrifices for the collective progress of the community.
Chief Efe concluded by appreciating notable leaders and stakeholders for their commitment to the greatness of Osogbo, including:
Pa Adeleke Oduola, Chairman, Osogbo Elders’ Council, Asiwaju of Osogboland, Rtd Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe, Chief J.A. Agboola, Chairman, 15-Year Coronation Anniversary Planning Committee and Alhaji Olayanju, Acting Chairman, Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU)
Their continuous support, he said, reinforces the shared vision of growth and excellence for Osogboland under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II.
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