Alegongo Market Demolition: Oyo Government Faces Backlash Over Sudden Destruction of Shops

Over 400 shops have been demolished at the Alegongo Market in Akobo, Ibadan, following a directive from the Oyo State Government, sparking outrage and despair among local traders.

The Alegongo Market demolition, which started earlier this week under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has disrupted hundreds of livelihoods. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as traders scrambled to salvage their goods while bulldozers tore through the market structures.

Traders, many of whom have operated in the market for decades, expressed shock and distress at the speed of the demolition. Goods were left scattered across the site, and business owners were seen hurriedly packing up as their shops were reduced to rubble.

Despite the protests and pleas from the affected traders, local authorities went ahead with the demolition. The traders held placards with emotional messages such as, “We are begging, please come to our aid,” and “Don’t let them demolish our shops,” but their appeals appeared to go unheard.

According to reports, the government had issued an ultimatum to the traders, which expired just a day before the demolition commenced. However, many traders argue that the notice was too short, leaving them unprepared for relocation.

Bimpe, a concerned resident of the area, shared her worries: “Honestly, we are worried about the fate of our businesses and livelihoods. This sudden demolition caught us off guard, and now we don’t know what to do next.”

Traders are also frustrated by what they say is a lack of communication from the government. Ajibola Keru, one of the leaders of the traders, criticized the absence of dialogue between officials and market stakeholders.

“We’ve had letters of allocation for over 20 years,” Keru said. “Yes, the government has authority, but we expected to be consulted before such a drastic action. There was no meeting, no engagement—just demolition.”

The government, however, maintains that the move is part of a broader plan to modernize the market environment and improve urban infrastructure. A government official who requested anonymity stated, “The demolition is intended to benefit both residents and business owners. The goal is to transform the area and make it more organized.”

READ ALSO: DJ Cuppy Opens Up on How Finding Jesus Changed Her Career Path

Still, the affected traders question the timing and urgency of the action. With no clear relocation plan or support for displaced vendors, many now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

As the dust settles, one thing remains clear, hundreds of livelihoods have been upended, and the road to recovery for these traders may be long and uncertain.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram