The multi-billion naira Aiyegbaju Market in Osogbo’s traders and administrators explained why the facility, which was created during the previous governor Rauf Aregbesola’s government, was almost abandoned. The agreement and commitments were modified by the government. That is the reason we left, said Mr. Kazeem, one of the many traders who are dissatisfied with the state of the market.
The Ayegbaju international market, a multibillion-dollar enterprise, is derelict in Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State. The neighborhood’s Ayegbaju market was one of the most frequented in the city before the establishment of the “international” counterpart. But soon after the state government improved the facility, circumstances changed. Due to problems they encountered, several roadside vendors who were meant to be the main beneficiaries of the new market moved their operations elsewhere. The Ayegbaju Ultra-Modern International Market was inaugurated on July 7, 2014, by Rauf Aregbesola, the governor at the time.
The state’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Jibola Falode, said the authorities had made numerous attempts to enhance market utilization, but the efforts had been hampered by the numerous new complexes and sub-markets that were popping up practically every day in the state.
Mrs. Falode noted that the ministry was working with the Ministry of Justice to open the stores that the owners had abandoned legally. According to Mr. Adeyemo and Mrs. Falode, the state government continues to receive funding via market rentals and service fees.
