The ancient city of Osogbo witnessed another significant milestone in its traditional and commercial history as the Ataoja of Osogboland, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, formally installed Chief Ojuolape Kazeem Remilekun as the Babaloja of Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo, during a colourful and well-attended ceremony held on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The installation ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries, including officials of the Osun State Government, members of the Ataoja-in-Council, traditional chiefs, market leaders, Babalojas, Iyalojas, Baales, community stakeholders, and other prominent personalities from within and outside Osogboland.
In his welcome address, the Ataoja of Osogboland congratulated the newly installed Babaloja on his emergence, describing the appointment as a demonstration of the confidence reposed in his character, leadership qualities, and commitment to the growth of commerce in Osogboland.
The revered monarch urged Chief Ojuolape Kazeem Remilekun to justify the confidence placed in him by providing purposeful leadership that would strengthen the administration of Ayegbaju International Market. Oba Larooye II further advised him to work harmoniously with the Iyaloja and other market executives to promote peace, unity, economic growth, and sustainable development within the market.
The monarch emphasized that the prosperity of Ayegbaju International Market remains vital to the economic advancement of Osogbo and called on all market stakeholders to cooperate with the new Babaloja in achieving greater progress.
Responding after his installation, Chief Ojuolape Kazeem Remilekun expressed profound appreciation to the Ataoja of Osogboland, the traditional institution, market leaders, and all stakeholders for the honour bestowed upon him.
He pledged to discharge his responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and dedication, assuring traders and residents that his administration would prioritize unity, peaceful coexistence, improved market administration, and infrastructural development. He also promised to work closely with the Iyaloja and other market chiefs to elevate Ayegbaju International Market to greater heights.
Courtesy Visit to the Asiwaju of Osogboland
As part of activities following the installation, the newly installed Babaloja, accompanied by other leaders of Ayegbaju International Market, paid a courtesy visit on Saturday to the Asiwaju of Osogboland, retired Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe.
The delegation included the Iyaloja of Ayegbaju International Market, Alhaja Chief Kuburat Omolere; Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe, Otun Babaloja of Sasa Market, Osogbo, and representative of the Ataoja in all markets across Osogbo; Mr. Segun Adeyemo; Consultant Ayegbaju International Market and Mr. Rabiu Lateef Olatunji.
Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe described Justice Adeigbe as an exemplary statesman and respected leader whose unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and development has continued to strengthen Osogboland.
He commended the Asiwaju for his steadfast support for the Ataoja of Osogboland, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, as well as his invaluable contributions toward the successful emergence of the new Babaloja. He explained that the visit was aimed at paying homage and expressing gratitude for the elder statesman's fatherly role and continuous encouragement.
In his response, retired Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe appreciated the market chiefs for the visit and urged all stakeholders in Osogboland to embrace peace, forgiveness, and unity.
He stressed that no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of conflict, emphasizing that every individual must put personal interests aside and work collectively for the continued progress of Osogboland.
Chief Ojuolape Kazeem Remilekun, while speaking during the visit, thanked the Asiwaju for his fatherly guidance, encouragement, and significant contributions toward making the Ayegbaju Market chieftaincy installation a reality.
He reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Iyaloja, market executives, traditional authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to promote the growth of Ayegbaju International Market and contribute meaningfully to the economic and social development of Osogbo.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja of Ayegbaju International Market, Alhaja Chief Kuburat Omolere, expressed heartfelt appreciation to retired Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe for his consistent support for the market and his enduring commitment to the peace, unity, progress, and development of Osogboland.
The installation of Chief Ojuolape Kazeem Remilekun is widely regarded as a significant step toward strengthening the leadership and administration of Ayegbaju International Market, with stakeholders expressing confidence that his tenure will usher in a new era of cooperation, economic advancement, and sustainable development for one of Osogbo's foremost commercial centres.
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