Traders at the Araromi Spare Parts Market, Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State, have urged Governor Seyi Makinde to immediately halt the ongoing fence construction near their market.
The traders, already grappling with economic challenges, claim that the fence construction, which runs alongside roadworks in the area, is worsening by blocking vital access routes for customers and delivery vehicles.
Kunle Adeoye, a trader at the market, expressed his frustration, noting, “We don’t want the fence. We can hardly feed ourselves and our families.
The ongoing fencing has reduced the volume of trading activities drastically.”
The traders, who primarily deal in iron and heavy equipment, say the obstruction is making it nearly impossible for vehicles to deliver goods or for customers to purchase items efficiently.
This issue has reportedly affected over 100,000 traders, leading to widespread calls for the government to reconsider its stance.
“If the government wants us to leave the market, they should provide another location that is conducive to commerce,” said Obadiah, another trader.
The market leaders also voiced their concerns, recalling previous promises made by the governor to rebuild the market after a devastating fire in December 2022.
However, many traders rejected the offer due to unaffordable redevelopment rates. The market leaders further criticised the government’s lack of communication regarding the fence project.
“We were assured during the electioneering campaign that we would not be relocated, but now this situation has left us confused and struggling,” a market leader stated.
When contacted, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Land, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, clarified that the local government, not the state government, oversees the market.
He pointed out that local governments manage most markets in the state, with the Ibadan North East Local Government handling the Araromi Market. Efforts to reach the chairman of the local government for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
