Trading was in full swing, the air buzzing with the hum of commerce as many remained blissfully unaware of the presence of this journalist while he stealthily observed activities at the bustling Islamic Market in Ebu Alawe, Iwo, Osun State.

This market, an initiative of the Amir Tawu’un, an influential Islamic religious group headquartered in Iwo under the leadership of Sheikh Daood Imran, lies within the serene precincts of Tawu’un village.

less than a kilometer from the Kajola neighborhood market, it boasts a unique charm. Here, goods are sourced directly from local farms, bypassing middlemen and ensuring freshness.

Traders, after securing a spot to display their wares, enjoy the privilege of not paying association levies. Their only obligation is to maintain the cleanliness of their space after each bustling market day.

Every five days, the market comes alive, with security personnel from the founding Islamic group safeguarding the area.

Despite the overwhelming presence of Muslim women who are easily identifiable by their long dresses and veils, the market is a melting pot of diversity. Christian traders and buyers mingle freely, adding to the vibrant tapestry of the marketplace.

However, the market’s charm is marred by a few drawbacks. The road leading to this hive of activities is in a deplorable state, and the lack of nearby conveniences leaves much to be desired.

Yet, the neatly arranged though unattractive shades where traders eagerly await customers prove the market’s enduring spirit.

The stark contrast in prices between the Islamic Market and the nearby neighborhood markets is nothing short of dramatic. On Friday when Sunday PUNCH visited, a module of garri was sold for N900, while the same quantity commanded a steep N1,300 at Odo Ori Market which is about two kilometers away. Similarly, a module of rice priced at N3,000 at the Islamic Market soared to N3,400 in other markets around Iwo.

Two traders, Ashia Abdul-Lateef, a devout Muslim, and Olatundun Amoo, a Christian, have been integral parts of the Islamic Market since its inception in July. They revealed that traders are summoned to a meeting by the market committee, where stringent conditions are laid out.

“The conditions mainly dictate the selling price of products. We don’t pay levies. Those who can afford it have erected shades, but I can’t yet, so I endure the sun,” Amoo stated. “I sell cassava flour. The profit margin is slim because prices are fixed, but I’m content. More people are discovering this place. The market is steadily growing. There’s no discrimination, but prices are fixed, and you can’t sell above the set price. We can only plead with the government to help reduce fuel costs.”

Amoo highlighted several pressing issues in the market, including poor access roads, inadequate stalls, lack of water, and the absence of modern conveniences. She said the challenges needed to be quickly addressed to enhance trading activities.

Despite these hurdles, the Islamic Market’s influence is undeniable. It has begun to force down prices of commodities in Iwo, especially in areas close to its location, providing a beacon of hope for both traders and buyers alike.

Amoo predicted more patronage for traders coming to the market as its popularity grows beyond the community. She said people from neighboring towns of Ibadan, Oyo State, who got information of the initiative had started coming to trade in the market.

Market heads oppose initiative

Despite the positive impact the Islamic market is having on local food prices, concerns are mounting about the sustainability of its operations and the motives behind its establishment.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, several market heads in Iwo voiced their reservations about the intentions of the market’s founders, cautioning that the situation should be handled delicately by all stakeholders.

Attempts to reach the Babaloja General of Iwoland, Chief Asimi Ogundokun, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.

However, Sunday PUNCH gathered that the heads of various markets had convened with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, to express their opposition to the market’s operation.

“But at the meeting, Oluwo told them point-blank that the market had come to stay. He warned against unnecessary rivalry and instructed them to focus on their individual markets and duties,” a source at the meeting disclosed.

“When it became clear that Oluwo would not support them against the Islamic Market, they promised to return to their posts and work on reducing market charges. They believed that lowering these charges would positively affect the prices of goods in their markets,” the source added.

Why Islamic Market was conceived – Tawu’un spokesperson

The Media Coordinator of the Tawu’un Movement, Mr Lukman Adeboje, said the market was conceived by the group’s leader, Sheikh Daood Imran, in response to the soaring costs of food and other essentials.

“The reason Sheikh Daood Imran, the Amir Tawu’un and the Grand Mufty of Yorubaland, established the market on July 22, 2024, was that he noticed people were complaining about high prices. He wanted to provide relief for the masses. The market is called the Islamic Market, but everyone, including Christians and traditional worshippers, comes here to buy and sell items,” Adeboje stated.

Delving into the market’s operations, Adeboje noted that prices are fixed and all sellers must comply. He explained that before setting prices, a team from the Tawu’un group conducts thorough window shopping around town.

“The market committee allows sellers of all kinds of items to bring their wares, provided they agree to sell at the fixed prices. We survey the cost of items in other markets in Iwo. For instance, there’s a place called Soludero Market where rice is relatively cheaper. Knowing the lowest price, we then set a lower price at the Islamic Market,” Adeboje said.

He emphasised that the market does not charge sellers any fees or levies.

“They just bring their products and sell. So, anything you buy here is the cheapest you can find around Iwo, attracting people from far and near. We are enjoying the support and cooperation of many to keep the market running,” he added.

This initiative has not only provided economic relief but also fostered a sense of community and inclusivity, drawing people from various backgrounds to participate in the market’s growth.

Oba Akanbi, in whose domain the market is located, described the market as a laudable and timely initiative.

He said, “It is the best market in the world now. For now, there is no innovation better than it. It is not even about religion; it is about morals. When you are good to your people, when you are thinking about how to impact people’s lives for the better, they will appreciate it.

“We are always thinking for the people; innovations, many other things that can make living in Iwo more bearable. I wish all other communities would adopt the same initiative. Even if they will call it Christian market or any other market, what is necessary is the impact such an innovation will have on the people.

“What these people are doing is that once they harvest their farm produce, they will take them to the market. Once their transportation and other costs have been realized, they sell to the people. Not going after much gain has made prices of items in the Islamic Market cheaper when compared to what is obtainable elsewhere.”

Asked if complaints had been lodged against operators of the market by the leaders of other neighborhood and weekly markets within his domain, Oluwo said, “The market leaders here don’t like it (the idea of Islamic market).”

He continued, “But what are those market leaders trying to do to the people? Are they trying to help the community; the community they themselves live in? There is no cause for alarm. I am the king of this town. Nobody can go against the idea of this market. Everyone should even plan to have that kind of market, even if they are not calling it Islamic; it should be a market that is based and founded on impacting people’s lives.

“That is how a market should be, not to make life unbearable. Imagine someone selling a congo of garri for N1,300, and you see a market where it is sold for N900; won’t you buy from the place where the item is cheaper?

“It is my duty as Oluwo to make life better for my people, not the other way round. Nobody can be against that market. The market is usually filled and thriving. Many people are now coming to the market from Lagos and Ibadan, coming to Iwo to buy items.”

Osun govt promises support

Speaking with our correspondent, Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Market Affairs, Mrs. Eniola Omotoso, confirmed that the government is aware of the Islamic Market in Iwo and expressed the administration’s readiness to support the initiative.

Omotoso emphasised that despite some reservations, a market where items can be bought at cheaper rates deserves government backing.

“Meetings have been held with those in charge of the market. I invited them to my office and have already scheduled a visit to them,” she said.

Addressing the perceived opposition from leaders of other markets in Iwo, Omotoso noted, “They won’t be happy because of the price disparities. In fact, I told them we would have the market in Osogbo as well. I will be going to meet them probably next week.”

Regarding the demands from the market operators to improve conditions, Omotoso mentioned their request for government-provided farmland to cultivate food items in large quantities.

She said, “They said if there’s a lot of land to farm, the price of garri would reduce to about N500. They also requested machines to cultivate land. The road leading to the market is not good too. That is why I am going for a visit. They also need water and electricity.”

While appealing to those displeased with the establishment of the market, Omotoso urged other stakeholders to “emulate and not envy the initiative. They cannot do anything because those in that market are taking firm control of the premises and happenings there.”

“My advice to people around Iwo is just to emulate them. If those selling there are making a profit despite selling at reduced prices, then people should emulate them. That’s why we are advocating that in whatever you are doing, have the fear of God. They should not fight. The market is for a good cause. Other market leaders should emulate the initiative,” she added.

PUNCH