Traders and business owners at Alegongo Market in Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State, were yesterday forced out of business as the management of Lagelu Local Government Area demolished shops and other businesses.
REPORTERS AT LARGE gathered that traders at the market were still packing out goods from their shops when the demolition of over 400 shops started earlier this week.
It was gathered that the demolition was ordered by the council chairman, who had served a seven-day quit notice on the traders and shop owners. The ultimatum lapsed today.
Our correspondent also gathered that the demolition was carried out under the supervision of armed security operatives.
The affected shop owners had protested against the planned demolition exercise on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, traders protested at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi Secretariat, on Tuesday to seek Governor Seyi Makinde’s intervention in the proposed demolition by the authority of Lagelu Local Government to stop the demolition, which, according to them, might deprive them of their livelihood. The demolition is set to take effect on Wednesday, April 9th.
The affected shop owners, who carried placards and banners, arrived at the secretariat in the afternoon. They begged Governor Makinde to stop their eviction from the shops, which they said would cost them their jobs.
Some placards’ inscriptions 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,” and “Your Excellency, we are begging you, please don’t let them demolish our shops,” among other things.
REPORTERS AT LARGE gathered that the government had given the affected traders and business owners an ultimatum, which lapsed yesterday, April 9.
