Traders and business owners at Alegongo Market, Akobo, in Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, were yesterday sent out of business, as their shops and business outlets were pulled down.
The demolition, it was gathered, was on the orders of the council chairman, who had served a seven- day quit notice on the traders and shop owners. The ultimatum lapsed yesterday.
The demolition, it was gathered, was carried out under the supervision of armed security operatives.
During the exercise, which paralysed commercial activities, many shop owners tried to salvage the little they could from their belongings.
The Nation reports that the traders had on Tuesday, in protest, marched on the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi Secretariat, to solicit the help of Governor Seyi Makinde to help them appeal to the authority of Lagelu Local Government no to go ahead with the demolition.
The affected shop owners, who carried placards and banners, arrived at the secretariat in the afternoon. They were full of pleas, urging Governor Makinde to intervene and prevent their expulsion from the shops, which, according to them, might deprive them of their livelihood.
The traders, men and women, who were full of kind words and appreciation of the governor, said his intervention seemed the only grace that could save them and their businesses.
The traders, who said their efforts to seek audience with the council chairman had been futile since the eviction notice was pasted on their shops about six days ago, added that all issues having to do with the ownership of the about 700 shops had long been resolved with the community leaders, who created the space for traders in the community.
Inscriptions on some of 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 yesterday ignored the plea of the affected traders by demolishing shops and business outlets.
Investigations by our correspondent showed that the government had earlier given an ultimatum to the affected traders and business owners, which lapsed yesterday.
A resident in the area, who simply identified herself as Bimpe, said the exact reason for the demolition had not been made clear to the people.
“Honestly, we are worried about the fate of our businesses and livelihoods, as this sudden demolition has caught us off guard.”
One of the leaders of the traders, Mr Ajibola Keru, said although the government had the power to do whatever it deemed fit, traders, who had letters of allocation to use the space since about 20 years ago, expected that the local government would have called them to a meeting before just deciding on the demolition.
A government official, who did not want his name in print, said: “The demolition is for the benefits of the residents and business owners, as the local government authority is only trying to modernise the area.
“I am not authorised to speak to journalists. But one thing I know, it’s for the benefits of the masses. The local government wants to give it a facelift. I will only appeal to them to be patient with the government.”
