A fresh dispute has erupted in Kwara South as traditional rulers and local government chairmen clash over the fate of Kara cattle market amid security concerns
The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye Muhammed has directed that the Kara Market in Ajase-Ipo shall continue to operate on every official market day contrary to the directives issued earlier by local government chairmen in seven councils of Kwara South District.
The monarch’s directive was contained in a statement by Hon. Balogun Monsuru Alabi, National Public Relations Officer of the Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union, ADU, and made available to newsmen.
Oba Muhammed described Kara Market as a vital hub of commerce and livelihood for indigenes and residents. He insisted that traders and buyers must be allowed to conduct their lawful businesses without hindrance.
The Olupo strongly criticised the recent order to shut down Kara markets across Kwara South, describing the move as “reckless” and “a fundamental breach of protocol,” carried out without due consultation with traditional rulers.
“Such an action is uncivilized , undemocratic, and stands condemned in its entirety,” the statement read.
The monarch reminded local government chairmen that they are not military administrators and must govern with respect for traditional institutions and community stakeholders.
While stressing that Ajase-Ipo remains peaceful and law-abiding, the Olupo urged residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies, and report suspicious persons or movements.
He emphasized that shared responsibility is crucial to preventing kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The ADU also reaffirmed its support for the monarch’s directive, pledging an unwavering commitment to the safety, unity, and progress of Ajase-Ipo.
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Credible News reports that the Olupo’s directive stands in sharp contrast to the decision of the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South, who last week ordered the immediate closure of all Kara markets in the senatorial district.
The chairmen — from Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa, and Oyun local government areas — explained that the measure was necessary to curtail insecurity in the area.
They disclosed that while invading criminal gangs have been decimated in recent weeks, cleanup operations by the military and hybrid security operatives remain ongoing.
For this reason, they ordered all Kara markets to shut down from Friday, September 19, 2025, until further notice, while all other produce markets must close by 6:00 p.m. on market days.
The chairmen described the move as a proactive step to protect lives and property, strengthen security, and ensure the safety of residents, traders, and commuters.
They stressed that the decision would be reviewed periodically and that markets would reopen once a secure environment is guaranteed.
Acknowledging the economic pain the closure would cause, the council leaders maintained that long-term safety and peace outweighed short-term inconveniences.
They reassured residents that the councils, in collaboration with the state government and security agencies, are working to restore lasting peace to the senatorial district.
The statement was jointly signed by Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, Haji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf; Isin Chairman, Hon. Benjamin Lanre Jolayemi; Irepodun Chairman, Hon. Azeez Yakub; Ekiti Chairman, Hon. Awelewa Olawale Gabriel; Oke-Ero Chairman, Hon. James Fadipe; Offa Chairman, Hon. Sulyman Olatunji; and Oyun Chairman, Hon. Akanbi Kamar Olarewaju.
Crediblenewsng.com
