“Some Faceless Agents Dismantle Our Business Centers, Kiosks In Osogbo” – Traders Cry Out

Some small scale business owners on the walkway along Akindeko, Olaiya, old Fakunle, Aregbe and Ayegbaju market areas of Osogbo, the Osun State capital have lamented the level of damages recorded after some faceless agents destructed their business ventures and kiosks.

It was gathered that the
Some kiosks and containers mounted on the walkway for small traders in the area were destroyed faceless individuals by suspected thugs between Wednesday night and the early hours of Thursday.

While speaking with the OsunReporters Correspondent, some victims of the ugly incident, Mrs Omolara Kehinde and Babawale Peter said they had been given notice by officials of the Ministry of Commerce to relocate to the Ayegbaju market but they never knew that the government would strike without giving them a chance to relocate, some also claimed that they were notified, and took some steps to settle the affair by visiting the State House of Assembly to complain.

According to them; “When we came here, we were approached and asked to pay N200 monthly for using this space. After payment, we were given some receipts as a sign of payment.

“When we were approached by the ministry officials, we went to the State Assembly where the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun encouraged us to stay put, that the issue will be resolved.”

“The Speaker came here on hearing our plight and immediately denounced the action. He called the Commissioner for Commerce who denied knowledge of the development.

Meanwhile, the State government through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had in a notice of relocation of illegal containers, warned the traders to remove their containers and relocate inside Ayegbaju market.

In a memo sent to all affected trader dated on 7th of November, 2023, which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Bola Obiremi, a copy obtained said: “The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been watching with great concern the way and manner mushrooms, container shops have been springing up around Ayegbaju International Market, through defacing the aesthetic look of the market

“While the government is mindful of the hardship economy and has no intention of adding to the burden of anyone, the fact remains that a more conducive atmosphere is provided for your trading activities inside Ayegbaju International Market. You are therefore advised in your own interest to stop further operation at the unauthorized makeshift/container shop and relocate inside Ayegbaju market where all necessary facilities are provided for your comfort.

Meanwhile, Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke has directed an investigation into the night raid on the traders and the pulling down of their stalls.

The state ministries of Commerce and Environment also denied that any of their officials were involved in the raid.

In a statement signed by Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, the ministries clarified that they have standard guidelines for the enforcement of government regulations.

“In this case, government agencies do not have provisions for night enforcement of regulations. So those unidentified individuals are definitely not staff or agents of the state.

“Mr Governor has subsequently directed the Commissioners of Commerce and Industry and that of Environment to investigate the matter and take immediate corrective action,” the statement affirmed.