Traders operating at the Mowe-Ofada Market in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised strong objections following the demolition of sections of the market, claiming the operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday without prior notice to affected shop owners.
The incident has left hundreds of business owners counting significant financial losses, with traders estimating that goods and property worth more than ₦500 million were destroyed during the exercise.
Overnight Demolition Sparks Outrage
According to several affected traders, demolition equipment reportedly arrived at the market around 2:00 a.m., long before normal business activities begin. Many shop owners said they only discovered the destruction when they arrived at the market later in the morning.
The traders insist they were not served any formal demolition notice or evacuation directive before their shops were removed, a development they described as both shocking and financially devastating.
Traders Say Previous Government Visit Ended Without Action
One of the affected traders, Mrs. Kabira Ajiboye, explained that officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning had previously visited the market in 2023 during the local government election period.
According to her, the planned enforcement was suspended after traders informed government representatives that they had been paying rents and levies through the local government authority.
She said the latest demolition came without any official warning, leaving many traders with no opportunity to recover merchandise, equipment, or business records before the structures were pulled down.
Businesses Face Heavy Financial Setback
The demolition has disrupted the livelihoods of numerous small business owners who depend on daily sales at the market.
Many traders say they invested personal savings and bank loans into their businesses, making the losses even more difficult to absorb. Several victims expressed concern that rebuilding their businesses may take years, especially amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
Beyond damaged shops, traders say inventories, household income, and repayment plans for existing loans have all been severely affected.
Appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun
The affected traders have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene by providing an alternative trading location and offering assistance to those displaced by the demolition.
They argued that if adequate notice had been issued, many business owners could have removed their goods before the operation, significantly reducing the losses incurred.
The traders also questioned the deployment of security personnel at the site, saying armed police officers were already present when they arrived after the demolition.
Government Yet to Respond
As of the time this report was prepared, the Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Tunji Odunlami, had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Efforts by journalists to obtain an official reaction reportedly proved unsuccessful, as telephone calls were unanswered and text and WhatsApp messages had not received replies.
An official statement from the Ogun State Government may provide further clarification regarding the reasons for the demolition, whether notices were issued, and any plans for compensation or relocation.
Why This Story Matters
Market demolitions frequently generate concern because they directly affect employment, local commerce, and household incomes. For many traders, markets serve as their primary source of livelihood, making sudden enforcement actions particularly impactful.
The situation at Mowe-Ofada also raises broader questions about communication between government agencies and business owners, urban planning enforcement procedures, and the balance between infrastructure development and protecting the livelihoods of citizens.
Timeline of Events
- 2023: Officials from the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning reportedly visited the market but did not proceed with demolition after discussions with traders.
- Friday, around 2:00 a.m.: Demolition reportedly took place.
- Later Friday morning: Traders arrived to discover shops demolished and goods destroyed.
- Following the incident: Traders protested, estimated losses exceeding ₦500 million, and appealed to the Ogun State Government for intervention.
What to Watch Next
The coming days may determine:
- Whether the Ogun State Government issues an official explanation.
- If affected traders receive relocation assistance or compensation.
- Whether legal action or further protests emerge.
- Any investigation into claims that no demolition notice was served.
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