The Ondo State Government has issued a 21-day ultimatum to traders operating in illegal markets and shanties along the Akungba–Ikare Road, directing them to vacate the area as part of the ongoing urban regeneration project in the state.
The directive was delivered by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Adebola Ademuwagun, during an address to traders at Akungba Market. He explained that the relocation of traders from the roadside to the Atiba Neighbourhood Market was necessary to facilitate the dualisation of the Akungba–Ikare Road.
Pastor Ademuwagun expressed concern over the dangers posed by trading activities on the highway, lamenting that several lives — including those of students — had been lost in frequent road accidents around the market area. He stressed that the road dualisation project, already approved by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had commenced from Ikare, warning that the government would not tolerate any obstruction that undermines public infrastructure.
While urging the traders to relocate, the Commissioner directed them to obtain allocation forms from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services. He assured the market women and men that moving to the designated site would not affect their businesses, noting that customers would naturally adjust to the new location.
The Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, who accompanied the Commissioner, applauded the Governor’s directive, describing the relocation as a necessary step to ensure safety and improve traffic flow in the area. He condemned trading along the highway, calling it a serious risk to human life.
Also lending his voice, the traditional ruler of Akungba, Oba Isaac Adeyeye Ajimo, received the Commissioner in his palace and commended the state government for prioritising the safety of his people. He pledged the community’s cooperation to ensure the relocation exercise is successful.
The Iyaloja of Akungba Market, Chief Mrs. Comfort Omoyemi, also expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa and Pastor Ademuwagun for their intervention, promising that traders would support the government by moving to the Atiba Neighbourhood Market in the collective interest of the community.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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