Traders lament ‘overnight’ demolition of Mowe/Ofada market, seek Ogun govt’s intervention

Traders at the Mowe/Ofada market in Ogun State, Nigeria, are lamenting the "overnight" demolition of their market, accusing the state government of destroying goods valued at over N500 million without prior notice. The demolition reportedly occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Friday, before traders arrived to begin their daily business.

Mrs. Kabira Ajiboye, one of the affected traders, stated that no official notification was issued. She recalled a previous visit by officials from the State Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning in 2023, when the demolition was suspended after traders confirmed they had paid their rents to the local government. "This time around, they did not issue any notice. We arrived at our stalls this morning only to discover that everything had been demolished," Ajiboye said.

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There was no demolition notice whatsoever. ... This time around, they did not issue any notice. We arrived at our stalls this morning only to discover that everything had been demolished. Goods worth over N500 million have been destroyed.

Ajiboye criticized the manner of the demolition, emphasizing the authorities' failure to consider the welfare of the hundreds of traders who depend on the market for their livelihoods. "At the very least, they should have shown compassion while carrying out the exercise. They should have allowed us to remove our goods before demolishing our shops," she urged. She added that the demolition was a "bad omen for a government seeking the support of the people."

The traders have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and provide an alternative site for displaced businesses. Many traders had taken out loans to establish their businesses, and the demolition has left them devastated and uncertain about their future. When contacted, the Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Tunji Odunlami, declined to comment on the demolition. The Ogun State Government had not issued an official statement as of the time of reporting, and the traders' claims could not be independently verified.

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At the very least, they should have shown compassion while carrying out the exercise. They should have allowed us to remove our goods before demolishing our shops. This is a bad omen for a government seeking the support of the people. How can you whip people and still expect them to smile?