Hundreds of traders at Bodija International Market, Ibadan, Oyo State, over the weekend protested against the proposed demolition of more than 1,000 shops, asking the state government to intervene and save their businesses from destruction.

The traders, who staged a peaceful protest at the market, carried placards with various inscriptions, including appeals to Governor Seyi Makinde to halt the proposed exercise and direct the relevant authorities to engage them in dialogue.

 

The affected shops, located behind the Bodija International Market Police Station, are reportedly within the area covered by a demolition notice issued by the Aare-Latosa Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ibadan North Local Government.

 

The traders alleged that they were neither adequately consulted nor sensitised before the notice was served, giving them 21 days to vacate their shops.

 

They expressed concern that the proposed demolition could wipe out their businesses, render thousands of people jobless and worsen the economic hardship confronting their families.

 

Speaking with journalists during the protest, one of the traders’ leaders, Alhaji Wasiu Agbaje, said the traders were shocked when they received a demolition letter dated August 14, 2026.

 

Agbaje said the notice directed them to vacate their shops within 21 days, despite the fact that many of them had operated in the market for years and invested substantial resources in their businesses.

 

“We were surprised to receive a demolition letter dated 14th August, 2026, by Aare-Latosa Local Council Development Area, ordering us to vacate our shops within 21 days,” he said.

 

The Secretary of Arewa Traders Association, Bodija, Bappa Hurso, said the proposed demolition would have far-reaching consequences for traders and their dependents if no alternative arrangements were made.

 

According to him, many traders had spent years building their businesses in the market and had no alternative means of livelihood.

 

Hurso appealed to Makinde to intervene, saying the governor had demonstrated concern for residents in similar situations.

 

He said the traders opted for a peaceful protest because they believed the matter could be resolved through dialogue and due process.

 

“We want the Oyo State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to take action on the matter to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

 

“The local government council wanted to demolish this place. We Arewa citizens are law-abiding. We were not informed before the notice was served around 11:30 p.m.

 

“Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and other traders have been engaging with one another without harassment since the establishment of the market in 1987,” he said.

 

Hurso said the traders were contributing to the economic activities of the state and appealed to the authorities to consider the implications of the proposed exercise on businesses and families before taking further action.

 

Another trader, Mrs Sadia Bakare, said the planned demolition would expose traders and their families to severe hardship.

 

“Government should have mercy on us. The demolition will lead to joblessness, hardship and pain. This is our source of livelihood; we have nowhere to go,” she said.

 

Bakare expressed concern over reports that the market could be rebuilt after the demolition, saying existing traders might be unable to afford the cost of acquiring shops in a redeveloped market.

 

“They claimed they wanted to rebuild the market for our sake, but it is a lie. They will chase us away, rebuild the shops and rent them out for millions of naira at the expense of those of us who cannot afford it.

 

“Where should someone whose goods are not worth N500,000 get between N5 million and N10 million to acquire a rebuilt shop?” she asked.

 

The protesters urged Makinde to prevail on the local council to suspend the demolition and initiate consultations with the affected traders.

 

They also called for transparency on the proposed redevelopment plan, including details of the purpose of the demolition, alternative arrangements for affected traders and the terms under which they would be allowed to return if the market is rebuilt.

 

The traders maintained that their demand was not to obstruct development but to ensure that any redevelopment programme was carried out through consultation and in a manner that would protect their livelihoods.