From Promise to Rubble: Makinde’s U-Turn Destroys Ibadan’s Aleshiloye Market Traders Shops
On May 24, 2025, the lively hum of commerce that once defined Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan fell silent. In its place, the sound of bulldozers echoed through the Ibadan West Local Government Area as hundreds of shops were reduced to rubble. The demolition marked the collapse of not just physical structures, but also the trust between the government and the people who depended on the market for their livelihoods.
Just two months earlier, when conflagrations completely razed down the market causing lots of damage to properties, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde who had previously marked the market for demolition, had publicly assured traders that no demolition would occur at Aleshinloye without adequate provisions for their relocation. It was a promise that provided temporary comfort to hundreds of market sellers who had heard rumors of redevelopment plans. “We were told we would not be left stranded,” said one of the affected traders, still reeling from the loss.
However, on the fateful day of May 24, those assurances unraveled. Shop owners described how they arrived at the market early in the morning only to find government-contracted machines already tearing through their stalls. In interviews, several traders expressed shock, dismay, and a deep sense of betrayal. “They didn’t give us any space to move to. Rather, they gave us the veranda Ladpo—a place where sellers already existed and occupied—which cannot contain even 15 of us not even 10. They just came and destroyed everything,” one of the victims said, pointing to the ruins of what used to be her provisions store.
The incident follows a series of communications between the Ibadan West Local Council Development Area and the shop owners, culminating in a quit notice that was initially due to expire on March 27, 2025. The notice was later extended to May 22, 2025, following interventions by prominent Ibadan indigenes and Governor Makinde himself, who reportedly directed that all action be suspended until a temporary relocation arrangement was made.
A letter signed by the Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Omolara Ladepo, confirmed the extension, citing ongoing stakeholder efforts and stating that while the consultant for the proposed project might begin preparatory work, it would not interfere with daily market activities. Yet, traders say this promise was not upheld. The skeletal work, they claim, was a prelude to the full-scale demolition that came just two days after the new deadline.
Traders complained about the inadequacy of the space the Local Government said to have provided for them. Adding that it contains 10 shops which are already rented. Traders told PIJAlance that the local government said the sellers should manage the veranda of the new location.
A video documenting the scene shows traders weeping openly, some scrambling to salvage what little remained of their goods. The footage has since sparked widespread criticism of the state government’s handling of the situation, with calls from civil society groups for immediate redress and proper resettlement plans.
What was once a haven of economic activity has now become a symbol of broken promises and governmental insensitivity. For many of the traders, the demolition is not just a policy misstep; it is a direct assault on their dignity and means of survival. As the dust settles over the ruins of Aleshinloye Market, the question on everyone’s mind remains: where do the displaced traders go from here?
Efforts to speak with the Oyo State Government representative, including the Local Government Chairperson proved abortive. However, PIJAlance will keep trying to make efforts.
Read Also: Three Kidnapped Victims Released in Oyo State After Family Pays N3m Ransom, Authorities Mum
Research and Investigations Desk (RID)
We tell tickling stories out of what you know for you to know them better. We're PIJAlance Research and Investigations Team. Tip us via contact us.