Makinde Commissions 540 Shops, Motor Park at Bodija, Orders End to Roadside Trading
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday commissioned a motor park and 540 modern shops constructed by Ibadan North Local Government at Bodija Market, Ibadan, ordering the immediate relocation of roadside traders into the new facilities at no cost.
The governor, who named the ultra-modern shops and motor park after the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, said the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to restoring order and improving the trading environment in the market.
Makinde disclosed that traders operating along the Bodija-UI Road would be relocated to another set of modern shops and a motor park to be constructed within the next six months.
“I am here because of you traders who will be using these facilities. The Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government has told you that these shops were built with your money — through our commonwealth and that of Ibadan North LG.
“There are 540 stalls and none of you will pay a dime for them.
“I urge you not to return to roadside trading. Everyone should move into the shops because there is enough space to accommodate all.
“I will inspect the land on the other side. We have a large space that can accommodate three times what has been built here.
” I will give the Chairman six months to complete the project so that those still trading by the roadside can relocate,” he said.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Seun Olufade, commended the governor for what he described as unwavering commitment to people-centred governance.
He said the project demonstrated the governor’s dedication to improving residents’ lives, noting that traders previously faced exposure to harsh weather, insecurity and environmental hazards while operating by the roadside.
“Today, our traders have been relocated into comfortable and well-structured shops provided free of charge. This reflects your passion for the masses and your resolve to enhance livelihoods,” Olufade said.
In his goodwill message, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abbas, thanked the governor for the project and urged traders to desist from roadside trading.
Also speaking, the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Jimoh, expressed appreciation to the governor for creating a conducive business environment in the state.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi.
Former Speaker, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Fola Oyekunle; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni; and other government officials, traditional rulers and labour leaders.
