Ile-Ife traders win victory as unlawful Olojo festival levies rescinded, News Live Nigeria reports.
The Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, has announced the resolution of a long-running dispute over alleged unlawful levies tied to the Olojo Festival, one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional celebrations.
For weeks, tensions had flared after traders at the Ojatuntun Otisese Weekly Market raised concerns over the imposition of Olojo Festival levies and the seizure of goods belonging to members. On Thursday, APTAN confirmed that the goods have been returned and its members are now exempted from paying the disputed festival charges.
“This marks a victory for fairness, justice, and peaceful coexistence in Ile-Ife,” APTAN said in a statement. “Our members can now trade without fear of harassment, oppression, or extortion.”
The group credited the breakthrough to the intervention of traditional rulers, security agencies, and civil society actors. In particular, APTAN lauded His Royal Highness, Oba Abdul Yekeen Zakariyau Fakowajo, Faalona, Akingbade I, the Oleegbe of Ipole Ayee, Ife, for what it called his “fatherly role and unwavering commitment to fairness.”
Other mediators recognized include Ustadh Adesoji, the Seriki Hausawa of Ife land, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Area Commander of Moore Division Police, and members of the Ife Development Board.
APTAN also praised its legal counsel, Barrister Olamilekan Ibrahim, for his role in defending the traders’ constitutional rights, and expressed gratitude to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), journalists, and civil society groups who amplified their cause.
In reaffirming respect for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the association stressed that its campaign was never an act of confrontation but a demand for rights and freedom of religion.
“This outcome is a reminder that dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding are the bedrocks of peace in our diverse community,” the statement added.
Looking ahead, APTAN pledged to continue contributing to Ile-Ife’s socio-economic growth through training, skill acquisition, enlightenment programs, and a free medical caravan scheduled for October 26, 2025.
The resolution is seen as a major boost for market stability in Ile-Ife, widely regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people and a cultural hub in Nigeria.