The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, on Tuesday recorded a major milestone in grassroots governance as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officially commissioned the newly constructed motor park and 540 modern shops at Bodija Market, Ibadan.
The project executed by the Ibadan North Local Government under the leadership of Hon. Olufade, underscores the council’s commitment to restoring order, boosting commerce and improving the welfare of traders within the bustling Bodija Market.
At the commissioning ceremony, Governor Makinde directed the immediate relocation of roadside traders into the newly built shops at no cost, reaffirming the pro-people stance of both the state and local governments.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde commended Hon. Olufade for his proactive leadership and effective utilization of public funds, noting that the 540 stalls were built from the commonwealth of the people of Ibadan North Local Government.
“I am here because of you traders that will be using these facilities. The Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government has told you that these shops were built with your money, through our commonwealth and the commonwealth of Ibadan North LG,” the governor said.
“There are 540 stalls and none of you will pay a dime for any of them.
I also urge you not to return to roadside trading. There is enough space to accommodate everyone.”
The governor further revealed plans to expand the project, stating that he would inspect available land opposite the Bodija-UI Road, with a six-month ultimatum given to the council chairman to replicate the development and fully eliminate roadside trading in the area.
In his welcome address, Hon. Olufade described the commissioning as a defining moment for traders in Ibadan North, emphasizing that the project was conceived by Governor Seyi Makinde to address longstanding challenges such as exposure to harsh weather, insecurity and environmental hazards.
“This modern facility we are commissioning today stands as a reflection of responsive governance at the grassroots.
Governor Seyi Makinde identified the struggles of our traders operating by the roadside and took deliberate steps to provide a safer, more organized and dignified trading environment,” Olufade stated.
He added that relocating traders into well-structured shops free of charge demonstrates a deep commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable urban development.
The Governor named the ultra-modern shops and motor park after the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, in recognition of his contributions to market development.
In their goodwill messages, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abbas, and the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Jimoh, applauded Hon. Olufade’s leadership and Governor Makinde’s support, urging traders to comply fully with the relocation directive and maintain order within the market.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon Fola Oyekunle; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi.
Others were Commissioners; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd); Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, Labour Union leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders, among others.
For residents and traders in Ibadan North, the Bodija Market project stands not only as an infrastructural achievement but also as a testament to Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade’s resolve to drive impactful development and complement the vision of Governor Makinde in building a more organized and economically vibrant Oyo State.
Signed,
Aderibigbe Yisahu Ajibola
Head Of Media To Ibadan North Local Government Chairman
February 18, 2026.
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