Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has ordered the immediate cancellation of the allocation of over 800 shops at the multi-billion naira new Oja Oba Market in Ado Ekiti.
The cancellation of the shop allocations was disclosed through a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, on Thursday, November 8, 2018, after Fayemi’s inspection on the facilities of the market earlier in the week.
The statement reads:
“It has been discovered that the market complex is not ready for use.
“A structural evaluation of the complex shows that some considerable construction works are required to fix the inherent structural defects which have made the buildings unsafe for use.
“As this process would take some time, the governor has, therefore, directed that the process of allocation of
shops be stopped immediately.
“The governor also directed that all subscribers with proofs of payment for shops in the market should be refunded.
“The ministries of works and commerce have consequently been ordered to work out a seamless arrangement for the market’s completion and allocation.’’.
The new multi-billion Oja Oba Market, which is adjacent to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo, was reconstructed after the demolition of the old market which was razed by fire about three years ago.
Before the tenure of the former Governor Ayodele Fayose ended last month, construction work in the new market is said to be about 80%, so it is believed that Fayose and his administration are quick in allocating the shops which have caused some controversies, as some residents, including traditional chiefs, alleged bias in the manner in which the shops were allocated.
