Market Crisis: BASA Faults Makinde’s Approach, Says Ogbomoso Controversy Reflects Wider Rejection.
The crisis surrounding the attempted inauguration of a market council in Ogbomoso has taken a sharper political turn, as an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Bolanle Aminat Sarumi, has criticised the handling of the situation by Governor Seyi Makinde, describing it as symptomatic of a deeper disconnect between the government and the people.
Sarumi’s reaction follows the outright rejection of the newly announced Craftsmen and Traders Association of Ogbomoso Zone by a significant number of market leaders, who have dismissed the process as illegitimate and imposed.
In her assessment, the development goes beyond a routine disagreement within market structures, pointing instead to what she sees as a growing pattern of unilateral decisions by the state government. She argued that the resistance from traders and artisans reflects widespread dissatisfaction, particularly among grassroots stakeholders who feel excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect them.
The ADC chieftain expressed concern over the alleged involvement of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce in the formation of the council without adequate consultation with recognized market clusters. According to her, such actions risk undermining long-standing institutional frameworks that govern market operations across the state.
She further noted that the rejection by the majority of market clusters signals a legitimacy crisis for the government’s approach, warning that sidelining established leadership structures could erode trust and fuel unnecessary tension within the commercial sector.
Sarumi also highlighted the potential security implications of the standoff, especially in light of the rising rhetoric among aggrieved traders. She warned that any attempt to enforce compliance through intimidation or security pressure could escalate the situation and disrupt economic activities in key commercial hubs.
Calling for a more conciliatory approach, she urged Governor Makinde to prioritize dialogue and inclusiveness by engaging all stakeholders and respecting the autonomy of market associations. In her view, sustainable resolution can only be achieved through adherence to due process and recognition of grassroots structures rather than top-down imposition.
The controversy, which began as a dispute over leadership legitimacy in Ogbomoso markets, is fast evolving into a broader political issue, with opposition figures interpreting the resistance as a reflection of public sentiment toward the current administration.
Observers say the state government’s next steps will be critical in determining whether the situation de-escalates or develops into a wider governance challenge across Oyo State’s market system.