By Ahmed Ajikobi
The Oja-Oba market leader, Alhaja Sidi Akaje has been accused of
impersonation during the inauguration of Kwara State Governor, Alhaji
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, last Wednesday.
Akaje was said to have been booed by the crowd after introducing
herself as Iyaloja-General to the new Governor at the Emir’s palace.
According to an eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, Akaje while
introducing herself to Governor Abdulrazaq said she is the new
Iyaloja-General of Kwara State.
“Immediately some crowd attacked her shouting at her, calling her
thief. They said, the only Iyaloja- General in the state is Adenike
Lambe,” the source said.
It was gathered that, Alhaja Akaje and Alhaji Abdullaahi Saad had
announced themselves in radio jingles parading themselves as the
Iyaloja-General and Babaloja of Kwara State. They were also said to
have been sighted jubilating from one market to another.
Reacting to the incident, the Iyaloja-General of the state, Alhaja
Adenike Lambe and the Babaloja, Tunde Jimoh condemned the act
describing Akaje as an impersonator determined to cause chaos among
market men and women.
According to Lambe, those that gathered themselves to disturb the
affair of the market associations are just chasing shadows.
“Among the group are; Sidi Akaje, Moshood Alaya, Muibat Olumo,Hawawu
Mustapha and Suliat Garba among others from Ilorin West,” she
disclosed.
She however urged all market men and women to go about their
businesses adding that the situation is under control.
“We can’t join them in disturbing the peace of the state as are ready
to work with the new governor,” Akaje said.
However, when contacted, Akaje said, she was appointed as the new
Iyaloja-General by traders across the state.
“Government has not approved my appointment yet but they will soon
approve it which explained my invitation to the inauguration,” she
stated.
