Hundreds of traders from the Bola Ige International Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, have issued an urgent appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde, asking him to reconsider planned demolitions that would affect their businesses. The traders, facing the threat of losing their shops to redevelopment, are calling on the governor to allow them to rebuild their shops independently.

During a peaceful protest at the market on Thursday, traders voiced their concerns about the proposed demolition, which would potentially lead to the resale of shops to new buyers. Representing over 6,000 traders across the market’s five zones, the traders emphasized the critical role their businesses play in supporting their families and educating their children.

Alhaji Ismail Yusuf, a spokesperson for the traders, explained, “We are protesting against the demolition plan. We don’t want developers to take over our shops—we want to build them ourselves.” He highlighted that previous administrations, such as those led by Alhaji Lamidi Adesina and Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, had allowed traders to construct shops using basic materials. Yusuf urged Governor Makinde to uphold this tradition, allowing traders to use concrete blocks to build more durable structures.

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Deaconess Oluwatoyin Akinpelu, another trader, expressed the severe stress the demolition plans have caused among the traders, even linking four deaths and numerous health issues to the anxiety surrounding the redevelopment. “We appeal to the governor to let us rebuild the shops ourselves,” Akinpelu stated, underscoring the depth of concern among the market community.

Adding her voice, Mrs. Moriyeba Babajide urged the government to provide a standardized design for traders to follow, emphasizing that they are ready to manage the reconstruction themselves. By doing so, they hope to retain control over their businesses without involving outside developers.

With their livelihoods at stake, Ibadan’s traders are pleading for the governor’s intervention, hoping to secure a future for their businesses and their families in the heart of the Bola Ige International Market.