A civil society organisation, Mẹkunnu Kọya, has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to urgently intervene in the administration of Ayegbaju International Market, accusing the state government of displacing ordinary traders while allegedly favouring privileged interests in the allocation of market stalls and commercial facilities.
The group raised the concerns in a statement made available to ChroniclesReporters on Friday and signed by its Convener, Comrade Wale Balogun.
It expressed concern over recent developments at the market, particularly the reported demolition of kiosks without transparent guarantees that affected traders would be provided with alternative spaces to continue their businesses.
According to the organisation, removing traders from their places of business while allegedly reallocating stalls to favoured individuals could undermine the livelihoods of vulnerable residents and transfer economic opportunities from ordinary citizens to privileged interests.
“Removing traders’ means of livelihood while allegedly reallocating spaces and stalls to favoured individuals is not market reform; it is a potential transfer of economic opportunity from the vulnerable to the privileged. Government must publish the criteria governing allocation, reallocation and any proposed demolition,” the statement read.
Mẹkunnu Kọya recalled that Ayegbaju International Market was established under the administration of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and commissioned in July 2014 to promote commercial activities, expand trading opportunities and improve the livelihoods of ordinary traders.
The market comprises open stalls, mini-stalls, meat and fish sections, warehouses and cold rooms designed to support different categories of traders and commercial activities.
However, the group alleged that structures originally intended for trading were being altered or converted into factories for salt production and sales, raising concerns about the possible diversion of public commercial infrastructure for private interests.
It called for an independent investigation into the allegations, alongside full disclosure of the relevant approvals, contracts and ownership arrangements concerning the facilities.
“These allegations require an independent investigation, full disclosure of approvals and contracts, and clarification of who owns or controls the facilities concerned. Public commercial infrastructure must not be appropriated for private advantage,” Balogun stated.
The organisation also warned that the displacement of traders operating in the market’s fish and meat sections could worsen the economic difficulties facing small-scale business owners and their families.
It stressed that the affected structures were not merely physical facilities but the foundation of the livelihoods of traders who depend on their daily businesses to support themselves and their families.
The group further criticised the recent visit of Osun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo, to the market, arguing that references to Governor Adeleke’s name and the electoral support received from traders could not replace transparency and accountability in the management of public assets.
According to the organisation, political loyalty should not be used to justify decisions that could threaten the economic survival of citizens.
“Government exists to protect citizens’ interests, not to use political loyalty as justification for policies that may undermine their economic survival,” the group said.
Mẹkunnu Kọya consequently urged Governor Adeleke to suspend further demolitions and structural conversions at the market pending an independent review of the situation.
It also demanded the publication of records relating to the allocation and reassignment of stalls, an investigation into allegations of preferential treatment and the possible appropriation of public assets for private benefit.
The group further insisted that traders displaced by the reported demolitions should be provided with suitable alternative trading spaces before any further action is taken.
It maintained that the administration of Ayegbaju International Market must be guided by transparency, fairness and social justice, warning that public infrastructure established to support economic activities should not be managed in ways that disadvantage the people it was designed to serve.
“Ayegbaju International Market is a public economic asset whose administration must be guided by transparency, fairness and social justice. The promise of government must be measured not by official visits or assurances, but by whether ordinary people can earn a living with dignity,” Balogun said.
The organisation concluded by urging Adeleke to ensure that the market remains accessible to ordinary traders rather than becoming a preserve for privileged interests.
“Governor Adeleke must ensure that Ayegbaju remains a market for the people, not a preserve for privileged interests,” the statement added.