Traders and business owners at Alegongo Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, are counting their losses after the local government authorities demolished their shops and outlets.
The demolition took place following the expiration of a seven-day quit notice issued by the council chairman. Armed security operatives oversaw the demolition, paralyzing the commercial area and leaving many shop owners scrambling to salvage what they could from the wreckage.
Earlier in the week, the affected traders marched to the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, hoping to secure Governor Seyi Makinde’s intervention to stop the demolition.
Despite carrying placards and appealing to the governor for mercy, their pleas were ignored. The traders, who had not been able to meet with the council chairman since the eviction notice was posted, argued that they had long-standing agreements with community leaders regarding the use of the space. They believed the demolition posed a direct threat to their livelihoods.
With the expiration of the quit notice, the demolition proceeded as planned, leaving the traders in shock. Both residents and traders expressed confusion, as the reasons behind the action were unclear. One resident, Bimpe, voiced concerns about the suddenness of the demolition and its potential impact on the community. Traders like Mr. Ajibola Keru, who had been allocated the space for over 20 years, felt blindsided by the decision. They expected a more transparent process, including a discussion or meeting before the demolition occurred.
Local government officials, however, defended the action, claiming that the demolition was part of a broader effort to modernize the area for the benefit of both residents and business owners. Despite these claims, the traders remain frustrated and uncertain about the future of their businesses.
