The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), has issued a final warning to traders at the Ogunpa Central International Market in Ibadan to immediately cease the display of goods on road shoulders and walkways.
Traders have been urged to respect designated setbacks to allow for the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles. Any further disregard for this directive, the government warns, will lead to strict penalties.
During a sensitization outreach held at the market, OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), condemned the persistent use of roadsides for trading, describing the practice as a major safety hazard and a disruption to traffic flow.
He stressed the dangers associated with roadside trading, explaining that displaying goods too close to roadways puts both traders and customers at risk. He further reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to restoring order and promoting a safer, more organized marketplace.
“We’re here today to sensitize traders on the state’s plan to clear illegal roadside activities around Ogunpa Market. We’ve advised them to operate within permitted boundaries. There will be no tolerance for street trading going forward,” he said.
He also announced that full-scale enforcement operations would begin on July 21, 2025, targeting unauthorized parking, roadside stalls, and any form of obstruction to road infrastructure. These operations will be carried out in partnership with other law enforcement agencies.
The aim, he explained, is to recover public spaces for their intended use and ensure the safety and convenience of road users.
In response, Prince Gbenga Atitebi, President-General of the Ogunpa Market Traders Association, welcomed the government’s decision. He acknowledged that street trading has negatively impacted customer traffic and promised the cooperation of his members.
High Chief Kudirat Aloba, Iyaloja of Ibadan Southwest LGA, also appealed to the state government to assist in enforcing compliance, particularly among stubborn traders operating illegally along the roadsides.
