Oyo Govt Commences Market Leaders' Council Referendum, Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Representation of Traders

The Oyo State Government has commenced the referendum process for the reinstatement and activation of memberships into the Market Leaders' Council, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and democratic representation of traders and artisans across the State.

The statewide exercise, which commenced on 14 July 2026, is being conducted across recognised traders' clusters and associations and will continue at designated venues until its conclusion.

Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, at the various referendum exercises, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, conveyed the warm regards of the Honourable Commissioner to the traders and artisans. He explained that the referendum became necessary following the expiration of the tenure of the previous Market Leaders' Council members on 23 March 2024, adding that each recognised traders' cluster and association is expected to democratically elect one representative to serve on the Council for a two-year tenure.

Okesade stated that the Ministry's presence at every referendum is to ensure strict compliance with due process and democratic principles. He stressed that elected representatives must emerge through broad participation by members from all the seven geo-political zones of Oyo State, while participating associations are required to submit attendance records, minutes of the referendum and group photographs on their official letterhead as evidence of a credible, transparent and duly conducted process.

He congratulated the representatives already elected, commending the unity, maturity and cooperation displayed by traders and artisans throughout the exercise. 

     He also disclosed that the Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo,Presidents and members of  Trade Associations will soon conclude on plans to introduce an identity card scheme for traders across the State. This is designed to strengthen Trade organisation, recognition and ease  coordination of Traders by the Ministry.

The referendum exercise,  is expected to be concluded on or before 31 July 2026. Upon completion, the duly elected representatives will constitute the reinstated Market Leaders' Council, further strengthening collaboration between the Oyo State Government and the organised trading community in advancing commerce and economic development across the State.

The exercise reflects the commitment of the State Government  to promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive representation across organised trading communities in Oyo State.