Oyo Government ultimatum gives roadside traders and container owners two weeks to leave Airport Road, Onipepeye, and Old Ife Road for public safety.
The Oyo Government ultimatum to roadside traders and container owners along key routes in Ibadan has sparked attention across the state.
The directive, which gives traders along Airport Road, Onipepeye, and Old Ife Road two weeks to vacate, reflects the administration’s firm commitment to restoring order, enhancing environmental safety, and improving the city’s aesthetics.
According to a statement signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State Governor, the Oyo Government ultimatum will expire on October 27, 2025, after which enforcement will commence.
The state government emphasized that continued roadside trading violates environmental and urban planning regulations, endangers lives, and undermines public investment in urban renewal.
The Oyo Government ultimatum was necessitated by the rising number of traders who continue to occupy walkways, road shoulders, and drainage channels despite previous warnings.
Many of these illegal structures — including container shops and makeshift stalls — have become obstructions to free vehicular movement and drainage flow, particularly along Airport Road Ibadan.
Officials explained that the state has provided several modern markets and enclosed trading environments in different parts of the city, such as Aleshinloye, Scout Camp, and Eleyele markets, to accommodate affected traders.
With these provisions in place, the government insists there is no justification for continued trading on road verges or near drainages.
In the statement, the government highlighted multiple dangers associated with roadside trading. It said that roadside traders risk accidents daily from moving vehicles and motorcycles that pass dangerously close to their stalls.
Beyond safety, the activities of traders often lead to blocked drainages, indiscriminate waste disposal, and flooding — problems that have caused repeated damage to roads and public property.
The administration stressed that the Oyo Government ultimatum is not meant to punish citizens but to protect lives and create a cleaner, safer environment.
Officials noted that public spaces and walkways must remain accessible to all residents, and not be converted into personal business zones.
Beyond safety, the government linked the Oyo Government ultimatum to its broader vision of positioning Ibadan as a modern, attractive city for investment and tourism.
It noted that the sight of roadside stalls, refuse heaps, and unplanned container shops along major routes like Airport Road Ibadan tarnishes the state’s image.
According to the statement, roadside trading diminishes the government’s efforts in beautification, tourism promotion, and infrastructure renewal.
Visitors arriving through the airport corridor are greeted by disorganized roadside scenes, which undermine the city’s appeal. The government maintains that removing such sights is crucial to achieving its developmental agenda.
The government made it clear that after the expiration of the Oyo Government ultimatum, relevant agencies will begin enforcement operations.
The Ministry of Environment and Ibadan Urban Planning Authority will lead the exercise, backed by environmental task forces and security agencies.
Offenders risk confiscation of goods and possible prosecution under state laws governing urban control and environmental protection.
The administration, however, assured that traders willing to comply and relocate voluntarily would be assisted in finding suitable spaces in designated markets.
The government appealed to all affected persons and the general public to cooperate with the directive.
It stressed that sustainable urban development cannot be achieved without the participation of residents, business owners, and community leaders.
Officials urged citizens to understand that law enforcement is not aimed at hardship but at ensuring collective safety and long-term benefits for the state.
The Special Adviser, Olanrewaju, reiterated that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to balancing economic opportunity with public order.
He emphasized that traders must conduct their activities within approved environments to prevent accidents, reduce pollution, and maintain the aesthetic quality of the city.
The Oyo Government ultimatum has generated mixed reactions among residents and traders.
Some residents applauded the decision, describing it as long overdue, noting that roadside trading often causes traffic gridlock and littering.
However, a few traders expressed concern that relocating might affect their daily income and customer flow.
A trader at Onipepeye Market, Mrs. Funmilayo Alao, appealed to the government for more affordable stalls.
“We understand the government’s reasons, but we need spaces we can afford. Some of the new markets are too expensive for small traders like us,” she said.
In response, government officials promised to look into the concerns raised, assuring that relocation will be implemented fairly and humanely.
The Oyo Government ultimatum forms part of a wider strategy for sustainable urban growth in Ibadan.
The plan includes road expansion, waste management reform, and restoration of public spaces to their intended purposes.
Authorities are also considering stricter penalties for those who rebuild illegal structures after demolition.
By enforcing the ultimatum, the government aims to create cleaner streets, reduce flooding, and enhance public safety.
The initiative also aligns with the administration’s agenda to attract private investment and boost tourism by making Ibadan a model of orderly urban governance.
The Oyo Government ultimatum to roadside traders and container owners is a clear signal of the administration’s commitment to environmental discipline and urban renewal.
While it may pose short-term inconvenience for some, the long-term benefits — including safety, beauty, and economic stability — far outweigh the challenges.
As enforcement begins, compliance will determine how smoothly Ibadan transitions into a cleaner, safer, and more organized metropolis reflective of Oyo State’s vision for the future.
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