By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
In a decisive move to restore sanity to Ibadan’s commercial corridors, the Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), has issued a final warning to traders engaging in roadside trading at the Ogunpa Central International Market.
The warning comes as the state intensifies efforts to improve traffic flow and protect public safety. During a sensitization campaign held at the market, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), condemned the persistent encroachment on public roadways by traders who display their goods along the road, calling it a major threat to both human lives and vehicular movement.
“We are here to enlighten the traders on the state government’s plan to clear illegal trading activities from the roads around the Ogunpa Central Market. We’ve advised that traders maintain a reasonable distance from the road setback. Roadside trading will no longer be tolerated,” Adesagba said.
He emphasized that enforcement would begin on July 21, 2025, in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader urban policy to ensure safety, orderliness, and improved accessibility across Oyo State. The enforcement drive will target illegal parking, roadside display of goods, and other forms of vehicular obstruction.
OYRTMA said it will be working closely with other enforcement agencies to reclaim spaces meant for public infrastructure, especially in congested market areas like Ogunpa.
Reacting to the directive, Prince Gbenga Atitebi, President-General of the Ogunpa Market Traders Association, backed the government’s efforts and admitted that roadside trading had reduced customer turnout due to the chaos it causes. He promised that the association would cooperate fully to implement the new measures.
Similarly, High Chief Kudirat Aloba, Iyaloja of Ibadan Southwest Local Government, appealed to the government to enforce the rules fairly and ensure compliance among defiant traders.
This development is part of the Makinde-led administration’s ongoing urban restructuring and traffic management strategy aimed at repositioning Ibadan as a modern commercial city.
Newspot Nigeria urges all market traders and transport operators in the affected areas to take this final warning seriously and comply with government directives to avoid sanctions.
Full Statement from OYRTMA Below:
Good afternoon dear colleagues. Thank you for always. Below is a statement from OYRTMA on roadside trading and it’s enforcement drive. Kindly use our statement on your reverred platforms. Thank you
Press Release
OYRTMA Issues Last Warning To Road Side Traders At Ogunpa Market
…sets July 21 for enforcement
The Oyo State Government has issued a final notice to traders at the Ogunpa Central International Market, Ibadan, to desist from displaying goods on the roadside.
The government also told the traders to maintain proper setbacks for free movement of people or face sanctions.
During a sensitization campaign at the market, the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), expressed displeasure over the incessant use of roadways for commercial activities, describing it as a serious obstruction to traffic flow and a threat to people’s lives and property.
He urged the traders to change their approach, stressing that placing wares along the main roads endangers both customers and business owners.
He assured stakeholders that the present administration is committed to making market spaces more conducive, in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to clear road obstructions.
“We are here to enlighten the traders on the state government’s plan to clear illegal trading activities from the roads around the Ogunpa Central Market. We’ve advised that traders maintain a reasonable distance from the road setback. Roadside trading will no longer be tolerated,” he stated.
The Chairman also disclosed that enforcement actions targeting illegal parking, roadside display of goods, and vehicular obstruction will commence from July 21, 2025, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies.
He emphasized that the enforcement is aimed at reclaiming roads and spaces designated for public infrastructure and safety.
In response, President-General of the Ogunpa Central International Market Traders Association, Prince Gbenga Atitebi, expressed support for the government’s stance.
He admitted that the indiscriminate roadside trading has hurt customers’ turnout and pledged the association’s cooperation with the state’s directive.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja, Ibadan Southwest LGA, High Chief Kudirat Aloba appealed to the state government to come to their aid towards ensuring that those selling at the road side comply with the directives.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State
July 8, 2025
— Filed by Newspot Nigeria Editorial Team
