Herbal medicine traders at Ajebo International Market, popularly known as Elewe-Omo Lekuleja Market in Ibadan, have been assured that their trading space remains secure as government officials pledged protection against alleged land grabbers.
The assurance was given by Otunba Seye Famojuro during a meeting with representatives of the traditional herbal sellers operating at the market located around the Old NITEL area in Molete, within Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Famojuro reassured the traders that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to protecting the interests of the masses, including market operators who depend on the facility for their livelihoods.
He emphasized that the traders would not be forced out of the market, adding that any issues concerning the land would be addressed through dialogue with the market leadership and relevant government authorities.
According to him, any future development or restructuring within the market would be carried out in consultation with the executives of the traders’ association to ensure fairness and transparency.
Earlier, the Vice President of the Elewe-Omo Traditional Herbal Products Association in Ibadan South-West Local Government, Alhaja Fatoke Folashade Serifat, appealed to the Oyo State Government to protect the traders from individuals allegedly claiming ownership of the land.
She explained that the traders operate on what they believe to be government-owned land designated for public commercial use, noting that each trader built their shops personally to support their herbal medicine businesses.
Alhaja Serifat said the market serves as the primary source of income for many families, stressing that displacing the traders would threaten their livelihoods.
She also alleged that some unidentified individuals recently visited the market with cameras to inspect the premises but failed to provide proper identification when questioned by traders.
The association’s leadership further expressed concerns that certain individuals have been using the name of government agencies to intimidate traders and lay claims to the market land.
While acknowledging that they were previously invited to the Ministry of Commerce over the matter, the traders said their attempt to meet the commissioner was unsuccessful, prompting them to return to the market to continue their business activities.
The market executives used the opportunity to call on the state government to intervene by improving infrastructure within the market, including the provision of streetlights, construction of internal roads, modern toilet facilities, drainage systems, and asphalted access routes.
Responding to the requests, Famojuro assured the traders that government authorities would consider steps to upgrade the market and improve its facilities in line with modern standards for herbal and traditional medicine trade.
He added that the state government remains open to constructive engagement with the traders to ensure a peaceful resolution of the issues surrounding the market land.
The delegation of market leaders present at the meeting included President Abdul Jelili Amubikanun Oladotun, Vice President Alhaja Fatoke Folashade Serifat, Secretary Oniyelu Dasola Bukola, Assistant Secretary Alfa Tirimisiyu Oloyin, Salawudeen Idayat
PRO 2 — . Aboaba Oladokun, Alhaja Oritoke Adegbite, Mr. Kamorudeen Kareem Alakoso, Mrs. Jelilat Abdul-Rahmon, Alhaja Mujidat Ajangboju, Mr. Rasheed Ismail, Teslim Bolarinwa, Mr. Wasiu Akintola Basoka, and other executive members of the association.
