The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparency, due process, and the protection of traders’ ownership rights in the ongoing shop allocation at Oba Market.
Addressing a large gathering of concerned traders led by the Market Leader, Mrs. Florence Adesuwa Ekunwe (Iyeki), the Oredo Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, clarified issues surrounding alleged allocation of shops to non-traders and the reported collection of money by unauthorized individuals.
He dismissed the claims as misinformation and urged traders to remain calm, stressing that the government remains firmly committed to fairness and accountability in the allocation process.
Hon. Iduseri assured that all legitimate allottees, including those with valid documentation and trustees, would have their shops duly allocated back to them.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Hon. Juliana Ekhanorimen, reinforced the government’s position on ensuring a credible and transparent process.
In their responses, traders led by the Iyeki expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo and commended the Council Chairman for promptly addressing their concerns and calming tensions.
The traders celebrated the government’s intervention, praising the state for delivering a modern market infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Council Chairman has set up an expanded committee comprising market leaders (Iye-Ekis), youth leaders (Okhagele), and representatives of various traders’ associations.
The committee is tasked with working alongside the council to verify and identify the rightful owners of the shops.