The Ondo State Government has issued a 21-day ultimatum to traders operating along the Akungba–Ikare Road to vacate the popular Akungba Market, as part of its ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Adebola Ademuwagun, disclosed this while addressing traders at the market. He explained that the relocation of traders to the Atiba Neighbourhood Market had become imperative to create space for the dualisation of the Akungba–Ikare Road.
Pastor Ademuwagun expressed concern over the dangers of roadside trading, noting that several lives, including those of students, had been lost to recurring accidents in the area. He stressed that the road dualisation project, already flagged off from Ikare by the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is a priority project that must not be hindered.
“The government will not tolerate any activity that undermines public safety or obstructs infrastructural development,” the Commissioner said. He urged traders to embrace the relocation plan and directed them to obtain allocation forms from the ministry. He also assured that their businesses would thrive in the new location, as customers would naturally follow them to the Atiba Market.
The Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government praised the Governor’s intervention, noting that the relocation would decongest the highway, enhance free vehicular movement, and significantly reduce accidents. He condemned trading along the highway, describing it as a serious hazard to human lives.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Akungba, Oba Oseni Isiaka Adu (Agure I), thanked the Commissioner for his visit and commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the relocation of the market to its permanent site.
Similarly, the Iyaloja of Akungba Market, Chief (Mrs.) Comfort Omoyemi, expressed gratitude to the state government for prioritizing the safety and development of the community. She assured that the traders were ready to comply with the directive and relocate to the Atiba Neighbourhood Market within the stipulated period.
The state government, in reaffirming its commitment, stated that it remains focused on safeguarding lives, promoting sustainable urban development, and delivering infrastructural projects that directly benefit the people.
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