The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has strongly condemned what he described as the illegal installation of a market leader in Oyo State, insisting that the action has no legal backing or palace approval.
In a statement released on Saturday through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch specifically cautioned Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, also known as Olaiya, against parading himself as the Babaloja of Oyo.
According to the statement, the palace was alarmed by reports of a self-acclaimed installation carried out without following due traditional processes or obtaining the required authorisation from the appropriate authorities.
“The attention of the ancient Palace of Oyo has been drawn to an illegal self-proclamation, installation, and parading of one Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, a.k.a Olaiya as the Babaloja of Oyo, without due process and authorization,” the statement noted.
The palace emphasised that it would not recognise any appointment or title conferred outside established traditional procedures.
It further ordered the individual to immediately stop presenting himself as a market leader in the state.
“Isunmaila Kolawole Salami, a.k.a Olaiya is hereby advised to stop parading himself with unapproved market forthwith,” it added.
Members of the public were also strongly advised to avoid any dealings with him in an official capacity, warning that anyone who engages with him does so at their own risk.
“The general public is also advised not to transact, engage, or associate with the holder of illegitimate market title,” the statement warned.
The Alaafin reiterated that his palace would not tolerate any action capable of undermining traditional authority or established customs, adding that necessary steps would be taken to maintain peace, order, and respect within the kingdom.
