Traders lament as Oyo LG demolishes shops, business outlets in Ibadan

Commercial and other related activities were put on hold as the management of Lagelu Local Government Area demolished shops and other business outlets at Alegongo Market in Ibadan.

The affected shop owners had protested against the planned demolition exercise on Tuesday.

The protesters, who carried placards, arrived at the Secretariat in the afternoon with pleas urging Governor Makinde to intervene and prevent their expulsion from the shops, which was set to take effect on Wednesday, April 9th.

The traders, both male and female, who expressed gratitude towards the governor, said his intervention seemed like the only hope to save them and their businesses from being shut down.

The traders, who claimed all their efforts to meet with the council chairman had been futile since the eviction notice was posted on their shops about six days ago, said all issues regarding the ownership of the approximately 700 shops had long been resolved with the community leaders who created the space for traders.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: “Alegongo Market: Market traders are begging our dear governor to please have mercy on us,” “We, the masses, are begging you, our father,” “We are begging, please come to our aid,” “Your Excellency, we are begging you, please don’t let them demolish our shops,” among others.

However, the local government authorities ignored the pleas of the affected traders on Wednesday and proceeded with the demolition of shops and business outlets.

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Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the government had earlier given an ultimatum to the affected traders and business owners, which expired yesterday (Wednesday).

A resident in the area, who identified herself as Bimpe, said the exact reasons for the demolition exercise had not been made clear to the public.

“Honestly, we are worried about the fate of our businesses and livelihoods, as this sudden demolition has caught us off guard.”

One of the affected shop owners, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned, “Where do we get the money to rent or secure another shop now? Even if the government claims it plans to renovate it, where do we find the money to pay the exorbitant fees? We are quite aware that the government is just using this as a way to displace us.”

Another victim, Biola, said, “This is a punishment because this is where we earn our daily bread. This is where we get the money to send our children to school, and now the government has demolished it. This is unfair, because if I tell you I don’t know the reasons behind this demolition, would you believe me?”

A government official, who did not want to be named, said, “The demolition exercise is for the benefit of the residents and business owners, as the local government authority is only trying to modernize the area.

“I am not authorized to speak to journalists, but one thing I know is that it’s for the benefit of the masses. The local government wants to give it a facelift. I would only appeal to them to exercise patience with the government.”