Two traders reportedly lost their lives and another 27 others hospitalised following the demolition of some shops at the New Gbagi International Market in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Chairman, New Gbagi Petty Traders Association, Engineer Kolawole Oyewole who stated this noted that some shops were demolished at the market by the Oyo State government.
Oyewole recalled that the traders had earlier staged a peaceful protest to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
He appealed to the Olubadan and Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the crisis to prevent further demolition at the market.
According to him, “Two of our members have lost their lives. Twenty-seven (27) have been hospitalised since the demolition started on Sunday.
“Our people’s means of livelihood have been destroyed. We appeal to the Olubadan to help us stop them from further demolition. They should stop the ongoing work for better discussion.
“They should pay for damages done to our goods. The remaining shop they are intending to demolish should stop.
“We are not represented by anybody, we represent ourselves, therefore nobody should be using our name to do anything again.
“We will be very happy and grateful if our demands are considered.”
Meanwhile, the Olubadan has appealed to the traders to be patient and law abiding in the discharge of their marketing activities, irrespective of any provocation.
Olakunlehin made the appeal while receiving the traders at the new Oke Aremo Palace in Ibadan.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Solomon Ayoade, the Olubadan said. “Ibadan City is known for being peaceful and accommodating for both the indigenes and residents. Consequently, no one, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to tamper with the peaceful co-existence prevailing presently in Ibadanland.”
Speaking through Chief Raifu Amusa Eleruwere, the monarch enjoined the traders, market executives, the Oyo State government officials and other relevant stakeholders to give peace a chance and allow the issue to be amicably resolved.
He also commended the traders for embarking on peaceful protest and not taking laws into their hands.