A young and promising businessman, Ayoola Boluwaduro Oluyole, has been appointed as the new ‘Babaloja’ (Market Leader) of Ipetu-Ijesa, a commercial town in Osun State known for its agricultural commodities and gold.
The Ajalaye and Paramount Ruler of Ipetu-Ijesa kingdom, His Majesty, Oba (Dr) Samson Adeleke Agunbiade Oke (Agunbiade III) said Oluyole was appointed due to the confidence he has in him to bring in investors and develop small and medium scale businesses in the town.
Oluyole is the youngest man to hold the position in the last four decades.
Ajalaye and Paramount Ruler of Ipetu-Ijesa kingdom, His Majesty, Oba (Dr) Samson Adeleke Agunbiade Oke (Agunbiade III)
Speaking with The Economy on his appointment, Oluyole said Ipetu-Ijesa has one of the biggest markets in Ijesa land, where people from Osun State and neighbouring states come to buy and sell.
“There are more than 50 small towns and villages in Ipetu-Ijesa Kingdom and the roles of ‘Babaloja’ are not limited to the market environment, but also extends to developing the general business environment and this involves providing a catalyst for growth of SMEs, bringing investors and making sure that farmers and producers get maximum pricing for their produce and goods respectively and these are what our king who appointment me and my people expect me to do. I will not disappoint them,” Oluyole said.
“Ipetu-Ijesa people are well known for cocoa farming and merchandise, mat-weaving, cashew nut production, intensive farming, and gold as our highest mineral resource in the whole of Ijesa land and Osun State in general.
“I am very grateful to our King, for the confidence he repose in me to be able to make the needed positive change in the economy of our people,” he said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke is expected to attend Oluyole’s coronation, which is slated to hold on November 2, 2023 at the Oba’s Palace.
