The Chairman, Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo, has clarified that no Iyaloja or Babaloja in any of the markets within the Local Government has been removed from office, but rather their activities beyond their scope were suspended to pave way for a committee of the local government that will see to proper reorganization and restoration of sanity in the markets.
The Chairman made this known during the official inauguration of the Central Market Management and Monitoring Committee (C3MC) held on Friday, 2nd January 2026, at the Conference Room of the Local Government Secretariat, Akomoje, Abeokuta.
He explained that the newly inaugurated committee, which has been constituted to ensure orderliness, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in market administration with have a 3 months period to complete its assignment and make available recommendations for wide implementation by council.
Hon. Dr. Sodipo stressed that members of the committee are not appointed as Iyaloja or Babaloja, but are only mandated to supervise market operations and ensure that activities run smoothly in all markets. He therefore urged the committee members to discharge their responsibilities diligently, honestly, and in the overall interest of peace and development. Reiterating the terms of reference, Dr Oyegbola-Sodipo that The Central Market Management and Monitoring Committee (C3MC) is to
Establish accurate market headcount,
Determine required market facilities,
Recommend appropriate rates and cycles for revenue collection, Ensure free flow of traffic and proper traffic management within and around markets, Propose sustainable market structures, Ensure urgent evacuation of refuse and clearing of blocked drainages and gutters, Review market security architecture in collaboration with relevant security agencies, Promote environmentally acceptable practices in all markets, Ensure proper uploading of all market segments and groups on the Local Government portal for effective data management.
The Chairman noted that these measures are aimed at boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), strengthening security, enhancing cleanliness, and ensuring peaceful coexistence in all markets across Abeokuta North Local Government.
Speaking on behalf of other members, the Committee Chairperson, Alhaja Faidat Akintunde Sarumi, expressed her gratitude to the Local Government Chairman for the trust reposed in them. She assured the council that the committee would work tirelessly to restore sanity, promote peace, and ensure that all activities capable of enhancing harmony and orderliness in the markets are fully implemented.
Signed:
Oluwakayode Ajibola
Deputy Chief of staff and Head of Media and Communications to the Chairman