A dispute in Lafenwa Market, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, has resulted in the alleged seizure of goods worth over N1 million and the destruction of a trader’s stall by the market’s head, popularly known as ‘Iyaloja,’ Alhaja Sidi Owe.
The affected trader, Mrs. Adetoun Oyenekan, who sells baby toys and stationery, claimed that the Iyaloja and the Babaloja took away her goods and demolished her stall. She explained that the conflict began when the Iyaloja pushed her, and a brawl ensued.
Oyenekan stated, “She slapped me several times, and I retaliated. She pulled down my counter. She was supported by the Babaloja.”
The trader has sought help, as she hasn’t been able to sell anything since the incident and is facing financial difficulties.
When contacted, the Iyaloja denied slapping Oyenekan but acknowledged seizing the trader’s wares, which she claimed was a punishment for assaulting a market head. She expressed surprise that a market trader would dare to slap the Iyaloja.
The Iyaloja explained, “Instead of dragging issues with her, I, as the Iyaloja, went to call the task force to seal off her stall with tape. When they were about to run the tape around her stall, she started cursing the task force, so they stood away. When the task force could not do it, I took the tape, thinking she would fear me a bit. But she pushed me again.”
She further stated that the appropriate punishment for anyone who slaps the Iyaloja was applied in this case, adding that the rules and regulations of their market have been upheld.
Regarding Oyenekan’s seized goods, the Iyaloja suggested that the trader should have organized people to apologize on her behalf and, if she wants her goods released, she should go to court.
The Iyaloja also claimed that it was Oyenekan who slapped her and that she did not retaliate. She challenged the trader’s account, saying, “If she kills a cow for the entire market traders, they would eat; but if the entire market traders kill just one cow for her, she would not be able to eat it.”