…Gives them 540 free shops
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has ordered the immediate relocation of roadside traders operating around Bodija Market, Ibadan, the state capital.
He also directed that the roadside traders should be moved into 540 newly constructed modern shops provided free of charge in the same Bodija Market.
This followed the commissioning of the facilities alongside a new motor park built by Ibadan North Local Government .
The governor performed the commissioning on Tuesday, February 17, describing the project as part of his administration’s commitment to restoring order, improving safety, and creating a more organised trading environment within one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs.
He also announced plans to relocate traders currently operating along the opposite side of the Bodija–UI Road into another set of ultramodern shops and a motor park expected to be completed within six months.
The governor named the facility after the Babaloja of the market, noting that the project was funded through public resources and designed primarily to improve the welfare and productivity of traders.
“I am here because of you traders that would be using these facilities,” he said.
“There are 540 stalls and none of you would pay any dime for any of them. Everybody should move into their shops because there is enough space to accommodate everyone.”
He warned beneficiaries against returning to roadside trading and disclosed that a larger land space capable of accommodating up to three times the current capacity has already been identified for the next phase, giving the council chairman a six-month deadline to deliver the expansion project.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Seun Onifade, described the project as another demonstration of people-centred governance, noting that it would protect traders from harsh weather, insecurity and environmental hazards previously associated with roadside trading.
“This modern facility stands as proof of people-centred leadership. Today, traders have been moved from unsafe roadside spaces into comfortable, structured shops provided free of charge,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Yekeen Abass , commended the state government for delivering what he described as a massive and impactful project, urging traders to support government efforts by complying fully with the relocation directive.
Similarly, Jimoh expressed appreciation to the state government for creating a more conducive trading environment and enhancing ease of doing business.
The commissioning ceremony attracted top government functionaries and political leaders including the deputy governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Fadeyi; former Speaker, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and the member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Fola Oyekunle.
Others present included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi , alongside commissioners, labour leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
The project is expected to significantly reduce congestion around the market area while boosting urban order, safety, and commercial efficiency, with enforcement expected to begin immediately as relocation commences.