Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has given traders operating on roadside spaces in Ado-Ekiti until June 23 to relocate to the newly completed ultra-modern Agric Olope Market or face legal consequences.

 

The governor made this announcement during a consultative meeting with market women held at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti on Thursday. He emphasized that the relocation was necessary to ensure public safety and restore order to the capital city’s commercial environment.

 

Oyebanji explained that the Agric Olope Market is fully equipped with modern amenities to support a comfortable trading experience, including water supply, clean toilets, warehouses, security infrastructure, a good road network, solar lighting for night trading, and ample parking.

 

“Our goal is not to use force,” he said. “We believe in consultation. That’s why we’re here with the Ewi and his council to engage the market women. I’m happy we reached an agreement — they have promised to start moving by mid-June.”

 

He reiterated that while most traders had agreed to comply, anyone who defies the directive after the deadline would face enforcement actions. “Street trading is neither safe nor profitable, and it poses health hazards,” he warned.

 

Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Tayo Adeola, commended the governor’s commitment to economic development and trader welfare, noting that the Agric Olope Market reflects his vision for a more structured and modern Ado-Ekiti. She encouraged traders to begin collecting allocation forms for shops starting next Tuesday.