Two traders have reportedly lost their lives, and 27 others have been hospitalized following the demolition of shops at the New Gbagi International Market in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The demolition, which was carried out by the Oyo State government, has left the market community in distress.
Chairman of the New Gbagi Petty Traders Association, Engineer Kolawole Oyewole, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the situation worsened after the traders staged a peaceful protest to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The protest was an appeal to the monarch and Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the crisis.
“Two of our members have lost their lives. Twenty-seven (27) have been hospitalized since the demolition started on Sunday,” Oyewole revealed. “Our people’s means of livelihood have been destroyed. We appeal to the Olubadan to help us stop them from further demolition.”
Oyewole further called for compensation for the damages done to traders’ goods and urged the government to halt the demolition to allow for dialogue. “They should pay for the damages done to our goods,” he said. “The remaining shops they intend to demolish should stop. We are not represented by anybody, we represent ourselves, and nobody should use our name to do anything again.”
In response, the Olubadan of Ibadanland appealed to the traders to remain patient and law-abiding despite the situation. Through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Solomon Ayoade, the Olubadan stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the city.
“Ibadan City is known for being peaceful and accommodating for both the indigenes and residents. Consequently, no one, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to tamper with the peaceful co-existence prevailing presently in Ibadanland,” the statement read.
The Olubadan, speaking through Chief Raifu Amusa Eleruwere, encouraged both the traders and government officials to seek an amicable resolution.
He also commended the traders for staging a peaceful protest without resorting to violence.
As the market community awaits a resolution, the situation remains tense, with traders continuing to call for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life and livelihood.
