Stakeholders in Ibadanland drawn from traders at Bola Ige International Market and prominent chiefs in the city have met to discuss the alleged disruption of the market’s master plan by a consultant engaged by the Oyo State Government.
The meeting which had in attendance Turaki Adeen of Oyo State, Alhaji Abduljelyl Adanla; the Chairman/CEO, Ilaji Hotel and Sports, Chief Dotun Sanusi; some Mogajis; chieftains of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); market leaders from Gbagi market and a host of others bemoaned the development.
After the exhaustive discussions which lasted several hours at Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, Akanran, the leaders appealed to the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde to call the consultant to order.
A source at the meeting said, They (stakeholders) were happy that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde wasn’t aware of the excesses of the said consultant.
“They prayed for the success of the State Governor and expressed serious angst against the said consultant acting in cahoot with a certain ‘Bibiire’ to destroy the market’s master plan.
“The Stakeholders have appealed to the State Governor to insinuate a high-powered probe panel into the activities of the said contractor, with a view of addressing the concerns of the traders and customers at Bola Ige International market.
“Their concerns range from consultant’s alleged building of structures on soak-away, culminating in the expose of human feces that could cause cholera in the area, amongst other health hazards.
“Other issues raised at the meeting were the rents being paid by the traders which had gone beyond the reach of many amongst other sundry issues,” the source added.
As part of the efforts at salvaging the situation, another source within the government circle said on Friday that, “We are currently working towards re-opening of their health center next week as promised, renovation is ongoing and the ministry of health is ready.
“On the controversial developer, I am trying my best as you know his case almost pinned me against my fathers. He thinks he is too smart and since the market people know clearly I have no interest, they have decided to stop him from working today.
“ I have communicated this to the commissioner and relevant people. I am sure with this he will understand the importance of stakeholders.
“The market leaders are good elders and ready for the development of the market. They have told me to give everyone using toilet as store to vacate it in 7days. This is a good sign of their readiness to bring the lost glory back to the market,” the source added.
