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Peace has been restored to Isolo Market following a dispute between traders and market leaders. The conflict, which began on August 8, 2024, stemmed from a misunderstanding over a traditional prayer ritual.
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Traders in the Food and Soup Items Sellers Association section of the market had refused to drink water blessed by the IyaOloja (market leader), Wosilat Yusuf Saka, during a ceremony to introduce their newly elected leader. This refusal led to accusations of disrespect and resulted in the closure of their shops.
The incident sparked tension and disrupted daily trading activities within the market. However, following a report by The Guardian, market leaders convened a meeting to address the issue, inviting The Guardian to observe the proceedings.
During the meeting, traders clarified that their refusal to drink the water was based on miscommunication and misunderstanding, not ill intent. They expressed their regret and appealed to the IyaOloja for reconciliation.
The IyaOloja explained that the water, contained in a sealed bottle, had been opened and blessed in the presence of the traders before being offered to them as part of a customary practice to usher in the new leader.
“I thought it was the best decision to pray with water and bless the new leader of the section,” she stated. “I have introduced many reforms which the people can attest to. I reduced their fee from N800 to N300 and allowed everyone to sell without hindrance.
“They were wrong to say they were given strange water to drink because we only used it to pray when they brought their new leader.”NwosuEzema, a trader, stressed the importance of unity: “Many of us inherited our mother’s shops, so we grew up here. We drink water in Yorubaland, work and eat here. We are one, and we must learn to live together in harmony.”
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