The Abeokuta North Local Government, under the leadership of the Chairman, Honourable Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, formally inaugurated a fifteen-man Central Market Management and Monitoring Committee (C3MC) at the Local Government Secretariat, Akomoje, Abeokuta.
The inauguration followed an earlier directive by the Local Government suspending the activities of all market leadership structures—Iyalojas, Babalojas and existing market executives—across markets within the Local Government Area, in order to restore sanity, order and effective administration in market operations.
In her welcome address, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mrs Kikelomo Munirat Ajayi, charged members of the committee to approach their assignment with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of public service, stressing the importance of teamwork and accountability in achieving the set objectives.
While addressing the committee and stakeholders,
The Chairman, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, explained that the establishment of the committee became necessary to curb excesses that have hindered Government efforts to sanitize market environments. He cited challenges such as street trading, trading on major roads instead of designated market spaces, traffic obstruction, indiscriminate parking, refuse accumulation and poor environmental practices.
The Chairman clarified that the earlier release by the Local Government had been misconstrued in some quarters, emphasizing that the Iyalojas and Babalojas were not removed from office but only had their activities suspended to allow for reforms and the implementation of necessary corrective measures. He further noted that the committee is expected to work closely with relevant departments, report challenges promptly, and recommend areas requiring Government intervention.
The Central Market Management and Monitoring Committee (C3MC) is to operate for a defined period as approved by the Local Government and is mandated to implement policies that will restore order, improve market infrastructure, enhance revenue administration, ensure traffic control, strengthen security, promote environmental sustainability and create a reliable database of market stakeholders.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Alhaja Faidat Akintunde Sarumi, expressed appreciation to the Local Government Chairman for the confidence reposed in the members. She assured that the committee would discharge its duties diligently and professionally, while maintaining cordial relationships with market leaders, whom she described as critical stakeholders in grassroots development. She pledged that the committee would work towards achieving the objectives of the Local Government without creating unnecessary conflict.
Members of the public are advised to cooperate fully with the committee, as all market-related matters within Abeokuta North Local Government now fall under its supervision for the duration of its assignment.
Members of the committee are
1. Alhaja Faidat Akintunde Sarumi – Chairman
2. Alhaja Zainab Faleye – Member
3. Alhaji Tokunbo Razaq – Member
4. Mr Kazeem Shogbiyanju – Member
5. Mrs Funmi Olaonipekun – Member
6. Alhaji Nureini Oke – Member
7. Alhaji Semiu Oderinde – Member
8. Alhaja Bolanle Jelilat Ajayi – Member
9. Mr Adebayo Tajudeen – Member
10. Mr Saheed Ajamagbiso – Member
11. Mr Kayode Ajibola – Member
12. Mr Yomi Shomuyiwa – Member
13. Mr Samson Akintade (Santana) – Member
14. Mr Idowu Abegunrin – Member
15. Engr. Mutiat Omowunmi Agbaje – Secretary.
Report by:
Aregbesola Olarenwaju
Information/Public Relations
Officer.
E-signed
Olalekan Olasunkanmi(mrs)
Head Information, Education and Sports Department,
Abeokuta North Local Government,
2nd January, 2026.