Oyo Government Orders Aleshinloye Traders to Vacate Ahead of Market Demolition

Oyo State Government has issued a notice to traders at Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan, to vacate their shops ahead of a planned demolition and renovation exercise.
The move has now sparked anxiety and controversy among the traders. Our Correspondent, Favour Akinrinola has the report. 
Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive affects over 4,000 traders, many of whom say they are struggling to understand the implications of losing their businesses within a short timeframe. Several traders disclosed that they invested heavily in acquiring their shops, with some paying up to ₦2 million, and now face the challenge of securing alternative locations reportedly costing between ₦20 million and ₦27 million.

With Nigeria’s current economic situation, affected traders many of whom are widows, widowers and family breadwinners are appealing to the state government to reconsider the timeline and grant them adequate time to relocate before the demolition begins.
As the deadline approaches, tension remains high within the market, with traders expressing fears over the possible loss of their livelihoods and businesses.
Many are calling on the government to adopt a more humane approach that balances infrastructural development with the welfare of the traders. Observers say the outcome of this situation will test the Makinde administration’s commitment to inclusive development and could have far-reaching consequences for the traders, their families, and the wider Aleshinloye community