Ogun market trader laments goods seized and stall dismantled by Iyaloja

An Ogun State trader at Lafenwa Market, Abeokuta, has raised concerns about the confiscation of her merchandise and the dismantling of her stall by the market’s female leader, known as the Iyaloja, Alhaja Sidi Owe.

Adetoun Oyenekan, the distressed trader, alleged that the Iyaloja, in conjunction with the Babaloja (market leader), destroyed her stall, leaving her with a loss of goods valued at over N1 million.

Oyenekan, who sells baby toys and stationery, recounted a confrontation with the Iyaloja that escalated when she retaliated after being slapped multiple times during an altercation. As a consequence, her merchandise was confiscated, and her stall was dismantled.

She mentioned her attempts to appeal to the Babaloja and her report to the Gbagura community, but no resolution has been reached, leaving her unable to provide for her family and children.

Contacted for her response, the Iyaloja denied slapping Oyenekan and claimed she was slapped instead. She provided her version of the events leading to the incident and explained that the action taken was in response to Oyenekan’s assault on a market head.

The Iyaloja justified the confiscation of goods as the appropriate punishment for assaulting the Iyaloja and expressed her surprise at the audacity of a market trader to slap her.

When questioned about Oyenekan’s confiscated goods, the Iyaloja advised her to bring the matter to court if she wished to pursue legal action. She also suggested that Oyenekan should have organized an apology on her behalf to secure the release of her seized merchandise.

The Iyaloja reiterated that she was the one who had been slapped and refrained from retaliating. She called for the public to be informed and emphasized that no harm would come to Oyenekan or herself.

The dispute in the market raises questions about the application of rules and regulations and the right course of action in such situations.