The closure of the popular Temidire plank market at Temidire Motor Park, Old Ife road in Ibadan witnessed a stiff resistance from plank sellers at the market, as Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Thursday, ordered the immediate closure of the popular plank market with immediate effect.
The government’s decision had to do with environmental issues and they have been ordered to relocate to the new Fasade Plank Market along Old Ife road.
The closure of the market, according to the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Isaac Ishola, who led the team that executed the closure order, while speaking on behalf of the state government with journalists, was hinged on the environmental hazards posed by the saw dust being generated.
Security was beefed up, as men of the Nigeria Police were seen at strategic locations of the market, to forestall any possible break down of law and order during and after the closure.
Speaking further, the commissioner stated that the plank sellers have been told on different occasions to relocate to the Fasade plank market along Old Ife expressway, approved by the state government, but to no avail.
Similarly, Ishola said residents of the area have lodged series of complaints to the government about the hazards caused to their health by the saw dust being generated in the market.
“We are here to close this market on environmental issues.
We have gotten a lot of petitions considering the health hazards being generated by saw dust here. Number two, we had flood alert from Abuja that Oyo State is one of the flood-prone states. There is no drainage here. This place is prone to flooding.
“No organization is bigger than the government. We are carrying out the interest of the people. That is what the government is doing. The issue here is about the environment and not about ownership. The interest of the public takes central stage and it is not about an individual or organization. Government cannot fold its arms watching people dying as a result of health hazards,” adding that the government has instructed them to relocate to Fasade Plank Market at Egbeda.
The leader of the market, however had a different view. According to the financial secretary of the market traders’ association, Matthew Ojeyika, they have a pending case in the court and that all parties have been told to continue with their normal businesses pending the judgment. He condemned the present move by the government adding that his people would move if the court says so.
Packaged by Dare Alesinloye
