Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has issued a two-week ultimatum to traders operating on unauthorised roadside spaces in Ado-Ekiti to vacate and relocate to the newly completed ultra-modern Agric Olope Market.
The directive, which affects traders at Bisi Market, Kings Market, and other strategic locations in the state capital, was announced during a meeting with market women at the Palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti.
Mr Oyebanji stated that all affected traders must relocate to the new market on or before 23 June or face the full weight of the law.
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He emphasised that the relocation is part of the state government’s broader strategy to ensure order, safety, and modern urban development in Ado-Ekiti.
According to the governor, street trading poses significant health and safety risks and undermines efforts to transform the capital into a smart, orderly city.
“The market was built to their specifications. We met with the traders and they told us what they needed – water, toilets, security, warehouses, parking space – and we delivered on those requests,” Mr Oyebanji said.
“We prefer consultation to force. That’s why we involved the Ewi and the Ewi-in-Council, and today’s meeting was to reach a consensus. I’m glad the market women have agreed to relocate peacefully,” he added.
The Agric Olope Market, described as state-of-the-art, includes amenities such as water supply, modern toilets, internal road networks, solar-powered lighting for night trading, warehouses, and security infrastructure.
The governor, while hopeful that traders would comply voluntarily, warned that any defaulter would face legal consequences.
“Street trading is neither safe nor profitable, and anyone who goes against the agreement reached today will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Tayo Adeola, praised the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of traders.
She urged traders to begin collecting allocation forms for shops and spaces at the new market from next Tuesday, assuring that the process would be transparent and fair.
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Also speaking at the event, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, called on traders to comply with the directive, describing the new market as well-equipped and conducive for business.
He commended Mr Oyebanji for realising the vision of Ado-Ekiti’s founding fathers through infrastructural development.
