Outcry as Kwara Government Gives Olorunsogo- Gaa Odota Road Traders 2hrs Evacuation Notice
By Omowumi Omotosho
The controversial demolition exercise being carried out across Ilorin metropolis by the kwara state government continued on Friday as traders along Olorunsogo and Gaa Odota Roads were given a two-hour notice to dismantle and remove their kiosks and structures.
The notice, signed by Kareem Mashood on behalf of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (K-GIS), mandated the immediate clearance of shops, shanty structures, and extensions along road setbacks and areas under high-tension power lines.
According to the statement, the exercise was in alignment with a broader national policy to maintain clear setbacks and ensure safety, particularly around high-voltage power lines.
The notice which was dated 1st November, 2024 and signed by Kareem Mashood on behalf of Physical Planning and Development Control reads: ” Sequel to the National policy that all the shops, shanty structures as well the extension on the setback on the road and under high tension should be clean-up/ removal.
“In view of this, I am directed to inform you that to remove all the illegal structures, Kiosk and extension been marked via Olorunsogo Road to Gaa Odota road within 2 hours of this notice.”
However, the traders expressed frustration and anger over the abrupt timing, citing the lack of adequate preparation to dismantle and relocate their structures. A video circulating online shows distressed traders at Atiku Junction, opposite Cottage Hospital, voicing their grievances. Many claimed that the two-hour notice left them with little time to salvage their goods and avoid potential losses.
National Pilot recalls that two weeks ago, traders along Egbejila-Ajegunle Road received a 48-hour notice from the Kwara State Government to vacate their trading spaces in preparation for the clearing of the Egbejila-Ajegunle Road.
The directive, issued by the Kwara State Ministry of Works on Friday, left many traders in disarray, as they were given little time to relocate their businesses after years of operating in the area.
