By Staff Reporter
The Executive Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Ambassador Adesina 'Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has assured traders affected by the recent demolition of unauthorized structures at Mowe Market that the council is committed to finding a lasting and sustainable solution to their plight.
The assurance came following the removal of illegal shops, shanties and other structures erected along the Mowe Market Express Road setbacks by officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The exercise, according to the authorities, was aimed at restoring order, improving traffic flow and addressing environmental concerns within the area.
During an inspection visit to the demolition site as part of the council's weekly environmental sanitation exercise, Ambassador Ogunsola personally assessed the impact of the exercise on traders and residents. He also supervised a mop-up operation while interacting with stakeholders affected by the demolition.
Expressing sympathy with the traders, the council chairman stressed that the government's primary responsibility is to protect lives and property. He recalled a tragic incident that occurred in Mowe Market over a year ago, when three people reportedly lost their lives after being electrocuted due to the unsafe trading environment beneath high-tension power lines.
He urged traders not to allow frustration to overshadow the broader objective of ensuring public safety, assuring them that the government remains sensitive to their welfare and would not abandon them in the aftermath of the demolition.
"We understand the pain and inconvenience this exercise has caused many families whose livelihoods depend on trading here. However, the safety of our people remains paramount. Government will continue to work towards a solution that protects lives while also supporting legitimate business activities," he said.
As part of efforts to improve coordination between state and local authorities, the chairman subsequently convened a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. During the meeting, he emphasized the need for better communication with the local government before the implementation of directives affecting markets and communities.
Ogunsola noted that, as the Chief Security Officer of the local government, he possesses a deeper understanding of the area's peculiarities and should be adequately carried along in decisions with significant social and economic implications.
He further disclosed that consultations had commenced with relevant stakeholders to develop practical and sustainable alternatives for traders displaced by the demolition. According to him, government recognizes the need to balance urban planning and public safety with the economic survival of citizens.
Traditional ruler of Mowe, His Royal Highness Oba Yayah Oriyomi, the Olu of Mowe, commended the chairman for promptly visiting the market to assess the situation firsthand.
The monarch described the demolition as unexpected for many traders and residents, noting that the chairman's intervention had helped calm heightened tensions within the community.
He appealed to market men and women to remain peaceful, respect government decisions and embrace dialogue as the most effective means of resolving grievances.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja General of Mowe Market, Alhaja Ganiyat Morenikeji, and the Babaloja, Alhaji Nurudeen Aina Alowonle, appealed to the local government to urgently provide a suitable alternative location where affected traders could continue their businesses pending a permanent solution.
Responding to the appeal, Ambassador Ogunsola assured the market leaders that the council would carefully consider their request. He urged traders to remain calm, avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace and continue their lawful activities while discussions on their grievances continue.
The chairman reaffirmed his administration's commitment to pursuing a lasting solution that would protect lives, promote orderly urban development and preserve the livelihoods of traders, expressing confidence that ongoing engagements between government and stakeholders would produce a mutually beneficial outcome.
