The Ondo State Government has issued a 21-day ultimatum to all traders operating along the Akungba–Ikare Road to vacate a popular Akungba markets, in line with its ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Adebola Ademuwagun, who made this known while addressing traders at the Akungba Market, explained that the relocation of traders to the Atiba Neighbourhood Market had become imperative to create space for the dualisation of the Akungba–Ikare Road.
Pastor Ademuwagun, who expressed concern over the negative impact of roadside trading, lamented that several lives, including those of students, had been lost to frequent accidents in the area. He further emphasized that the dualisation project, duly approved by the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had already commenced from Ikare. The Commissioner reiterated that government would not tolerate any activity that undermines public safety or obstructs infrastructural development.
He urged the traders to move to the designated market and directed them to obtain allocation forms from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services. Pastor Ademuwagun assured the traders that their businesses would not be adversely affected, stressing that customers would naturally patronize them at their new location.
The Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, while commending the Governor for his intervention, affirmed that the relocation of the market would enhance free vehicular movement and improve safety for road users. He condemned trading along the highway, describing it as a serious hazard to human lives.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Akungba, Oba Oseni Isiaka Adu (Agure I), expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for his visit and commended the Governor for approving the relocation of the market to its permanent site.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja of Akungba Market, Chief (Mrs.) Comfort Omoyemi, thanked the Governor and the Commissioner for prioritizing the development of Akungba community. She pledged the full cooperation of the traders and assured government of their readiness to relocate to the Atiba Neighbourhood Market.
The Ondo State Government remains fully committed to safeguarding the lives of its citizens, promoting sustainable urban development, and ensuring that all infrastructural projects under the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa are delivered to the benefit of the people.
