The Oyo State Government on Thursday, May 9, demolished scores of shanties, shops and kiosks in the popular Ojoo market in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development served the traders quit notices a long time ago, but they defied the order.
Speaking on the development, the market chairman, Muhdeen Ganiyu, better known as Elewedu, in an interview with PUNCH, said that the quit notice was too short, adding that the executive members of all the affected markers would meet after the demolition exercise.
He said, “The quit notice was too short. All executive members of all the affected markers will soon meet. So, I cannot say anything for now.”
Confirming the ongoing demolition exercise, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, said the market location is dangerous, and the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has promised to provide an alternative place for the traders.
He said, “The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had gone there personally to address them. The government will provide another place. That place is dangerous. And the new place is not far. Just at the front of the Barracks.”
Photos of the demolition: